Le Fort Osteotomy
Pronunciation: luh FOR
A classification of surgical cuts through the maxillary complex at defined levels (I, II, or III) to reposition the midface skeleton.
Full Definition
Le Fort osteotomies are standardised surgical fracture patterns of the midface, based on the traumatic fracture lines described by René Le Fort in 1901. In elective orthognathic and reconstructive surgery: Le Fort I involves a horizontal cut above the tooth apices allowing the tooth-bearing maxilla to be moved; Le Fort II is a pyramidal osteotomy through the nasal bones and orbital rims; Le Fort III separates the entire facial skeleton from the cranial base (craniofacial dysjunction). Editorial accuracy requires correct Roman numeral notation (I, II, III—not 1, 2, 3) and the hyphenated eponym form 'Le Fort' (two words, capital F). Confusion between levels can have significant medicolegal implications.
Usage
Usage note: Always use Roman numerals (Le Fort I, II, III). The eponym is two words with a capital F. Do not conflate Le Fort osteotomy (elective surgery) with Le Fort fracture (traumatic injury).
In Context
- "The operative note described a Le Fort I osteotomy with a 5 mm superior repositioning and 3 mm advancement of the maxilla." — Operative report
- "An editor queried whether 'Le Fort 1' should be amended to 'Le Fort I' in accordance with standard surgical nomenclature." — Manuscript proofread query