Surgical orthodontics in a patient with β-thalassaemia major. A case report

Treating patients with prognathic maxillae is a multifaceted process, especially when dealing with thalassaemia complications. This case study addresses the issue of severe maxillary protrusion in a woman living with β-thalassaemia major who had presented with pronounced maxillary protrusion, lip incompetence and an everted upper lip. Following initial alignment and levelling using the 0.018inch standard edgewise system, the patient underwent a Le Fort I osteotomy procedure. Segmental osteotomy was ruled out owing to the heightened risk of excessive bleeding. The outcomes demonstrated successful management of the thalassaemic patient through presurgical orthodontics, LeFort I osteotomy, and subsequent post-surgical orthodontics and periodontics. The patient exhibited improved facial aesthetics after an active treatment period of 4 years. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Orthodontic treatment for patients with β-thalassaemia major and skeletal Class II malocclusion with prognathic maxillae requires a multidisciplinary approach, including Le Fort I osteotomy and careful management of elevated bleeding risks