Wound healing associated with segmental total maxillary osteotomy.

A technique that maintains dual soft tissue pedicles to the palatal and labiobuccal areas in segmental total maxillary osteotomy was studied with respect to the effects on osseous revascularization and healing. Single-stage four-segment total maxillary osteotomies were performed by this method in five adult male rhesus monkeys. The animals were killed at intervals from immediately to 28 days after surgery. Histologic examination of the maxillae revealed that this technique is sufficient to support total maxillary osteotomy through 28 days. The soft tissue flap provided adequate blood supply to the anterior maxillary segment. All bony segments were mobilized, with only transient effects on bone healing and viability. The marginal osteonecrosis observed did not appear to be progressive. The effects of this procedure on the pulp are not clear.