Increase in vertical dimension by interpositional bone grafts and subsequent craniofacial growth in adolescent monkeys.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between craniofacial growth and total maxillary osteotomy in adolescent Macaca fascicularis monkeys. The monkeys' facial height was increased with the help of interpositional bone grafts. Four monkeys underwent surgical procedures, and five served as controls. The changes in growth after surgery were then assessed with the help of conventional cephalometry and osseous implants. Lateral cephalometric radiographs of all monkeys were taken before and immediately after implant placement, immediately after surgery, and every 4 weeks thereafter for 1 year. Analysis of the cephalometric head films revealed that the increases in facial height assisted by interpositional grafts were not stable. Postsurgical observations showed a relapse in total facial height.