Effect of rigid fixation of the temporozygomatic suture on craniofacial growth

Many studies have been carried out to assess growth restriction of the cran iofacial complex as a result of suture manipulation. Many years ago, perios teal stapling of the immature temporozygomatic suture was found to arrest g rowth and to cause facial deformity on the treated side. This experiment ha s been repeated with rigid plates on young rabbits of two different ages. W idespread growth alterations were noted on the craniofacial skeleton of the plated side, namely significant reduction in orbital diameter, zygomatic a rch shortening, and deviation of the snouts to the plated side. Other less significant deformities were noted. These findings should be considered whe n treating zygomatic arch trauma and congenital anomalies in the growing hu man face.