LeFort Osteotomy is a surgical procedure named after French surgeon, René LeFort. It involves cutting and reshaping bones in the mid-face area to improve facial structure and alleviate breathing difficulties. The word "LeFort" is pronounced /ləfɔːrt/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "e" at the end is silent and the stress is on the second syllable. "Osteotomy" is pronounced /ɒstiːɒtəmi/ with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of the word accurately reflects its pronunciation and origins.
LeFort Osteotomy is a surgical procedure that involves the deliberate cutting and repositioning of the bones in the upper jaw or mid-face for the purpose of correcting certain forms of facial deformities or conditions. This procedure is named after René LeFort, a French surgeon who first described the different types of maxillary fractures in the early 20th century.
LeFort Osteotomy is primarily performed to address issues related to malocclusion, or a misalignment of the upper and lower dental arches. The procedure involves making precise incisions in the maxillary bone, allowing the surgeon to mobilize and relocate the upper jaw in a desired position. Once repositioned, the jawbones are fixed in place using specialized plates and screws to ensure stability and promote proper healing.
There are three main types of LeFort Osteotomy, numbered I, II, and III, each indicating the level at which the bone cuts are made. LeFort I primarily involves the movement of the upper jawbone and is commonly used to correct dental and orthodontic problems. LeFort II and III are more complex procedures that extend to include the bones of the nose and orbital region, often performed in cases of severe facial traumas or congenital abnormalities.
LeFort Osteotomy is a highly specialized surgical technique and is typically carried out by a maxillofacial surgeon in collaboration with orthodontists and other dental specialists. It requires careful planning and imaging studies to determine the precise location and extent of bone cuts necessary to achieve the desired correction. Post-surgery, patients may require a period of healing and orthodontic treatment to achieve optimal jaw alignment and functional bite.
The word "LeFort Osteotomy" is derived from the name of a French surgeon named René LeFort. LeFort was a pioneering surgeon who lived during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is well-known for his contributions to the field of maxillofacial (jaw and face) surgery.
The term "osteotomy" refers to a surgical procedure in which a bone is cut or divided. In the case of a LeFort Osteotomy, it specifically refers to the cutting and repositioning of the maxilla, or upper jaw, to correct various facial deformities or to realign the jaws.
In honor of LeFort's significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of maxillofacial injuries and deformities, his name was associated with the surgical technique called LeFort Osteotomy. This term has since become commonly used to describe different types of upper jaw surgeries developed by LeFort.