Modified versus classic alar base sutures after LeFort I osteotomy: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy of a new modified alar base cinch suture by comparing it with the commonly used classic alar base suture after LeFort I osteotomy.

Study design: A comprehensive search strategy was performed to include interventional studies involving the comparisons of alar base suturing methods after LeFort I osteotomy. Data analyses were conducted using the random-effects model.

Results: Three studies with 146 participants undergoing LeFort I maxillary osteotomy were included in this review. The results showed that, compared with the classic method, both modified transseptal alar base suture and modified reinsertion sutures significantly decreased postoperative alar and alar base widening.

Conclusions: The modified alar base cinch suture was more effective than the classic alar base suture in maintaining preoperative alar and alar base width after LeFort I osteotomy.