The use of the three sided flap in the maxillary anterior segmental osteotomy

Aims:Evaluation of new surgical approach to anterior maxillary
segmental osteotomy (AMSO). Materials and Methods:
Twenty five jaws operated on for AMSO with the use of three
sided flap, using sulcular type of incision of the soft tissues to
access the bone to be osteotomized. Patients underwent surgical
correction under general anesthesia and follow up extended
postoperatively till complete healing process occurred nearly six
months later. Results: From the total number of cases, twenty
four jaws healed properly; and only one jaw (premaxilla) was
lost due to necrosis of bone with loss of the associated teeth due
to accidental and complete detachment of bone from the
overlying soft tissues during surgery, although this procedure
offers the avoidance of loss of any part of the soft tissue
envelope. Conclusion: The three sided sulcular incision doesnt
interfere with blood supply of both hard & soft tissues, with
many advantages over other types of access flaps.