Abstract |
Although the osteotome is positioned in close vicinity to the maxillary artery and its branches during ptergomaxillary separation in a Le Fort I osteotomy, postoperative complications from vascular injuries are rare. The following report describes an unusual occurrence of a maxillary artery pseudoaneurysm following a Le Fort I and bilateral sagittal-split osteotomies for correction of mandibular and maxillary asymmetries in a patient with Goldenhar syndrome. This was recognized 8 months after the procedure when the patient developed acute facial swelling and required an emergent angiogram for uncontrolled bleeding. Vascular anatomy in the ptergomaxillary area is reviewed. A level of suspicion of occult vascular injuries in patients with sudden onset of unilateral facial swelling after orthognathic surgery, even months after the procedure, is recommended.
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Authors | James P Bradley, Mohammed Elahi, Henry K Kawamoto |
Journal | The Journal of craniofacial surgery
(J Craniofac Surg)
Vol. 13
Issue 6
Pg. 746-50
(Nov 2002)
ISSN: 1049-2275 [Print] United States |
PMID | 12457086
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Aneurysm, False
(etiology, therapy)
- Embolization, Therapeutic
(instrumentation)
- Facial Asymmetry
(etiology, surgery)
- Goldenhar Syndrome
(complications)
- Humans
- Male
- Mandible
(surgery)
- Maxillary Artery
(injuries)
- Osteotomy, Le Fort
(adverse effects)
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