Bone healing and revascularization after total maxillary osteotomy.

Adult rhesus monkeys were used as experimental analogues to investigate vascularization, revascularization, and bone healing associated with total maxillary osteotomy. Microangiographic and histologic studies showed minimal transient vascular ischemia, minimal osteonecrosis, and early osseous union. Transection of the greater palatine arteries had no discernible effect on the circulation to the teeth and bone in the maxilla and its enveloping soft tissues. The results of experiments in animals and clinical studies indicate that palatal mucosa and labial-buccal gingiva provide an adequate nutrient pedicle for single-stage total maxillary osteotomies.