Effect of rigid fixation of the temporozygomatic suture on craniofacial growth

Abstract 

Many studies have been carried out to assess growth restriction of the craniofacial complex as a result of suture manipulation. Many years ago, periosteal stapling of the immature temporozygomatic suture was found to arrest growth and to cause facial deformity on the treated side. This experiment has been repeated with rigid plates on young rabbits of two different ages. Widespread growth alterations were noted on the craniofacial skeleton of the plated side, namely significant reduction in orbital diameter, zygomatic arch shortening, and deviation of the snouts to the plated side. Other less significant deformities were noted. These findings should be considered when treating zygomatic arch trauma and congenital anomalies in the growing human face.