Abstract
IntroductionFew in vivo studies have investigated the effect of maxillary expansion on strabismus; however, some in vitro studies hypothesized that changes in the palatal width obtained with rapid maxillary expansion appliances could involve other bone structures that contain blood vessels and nerves conveying to the orbital cavity. The present case report seems to support that hypothesis, even if no analysis of pathogenetic mechanisms could be drawn.Case presentationWe present the case of a 14-year-old Caucasian girl affected by strabismus and referred for the treatment of a class III malocclusion with transverse maxillary deficiency, which was corrected by the application of a rapid maxillary expansion appliance (Haas type). At 2 months follow-up, the patient, who had not undergone any ophthalmologic treatment, was submitted to an ophthalmologic examination that revealed a marked change in the vision defect, which slightly relapsed at 6 months.ConclusionsThe results of our clinical evaluation showed a remarkable modification of the oculomotor system of our patient as an outcome of the rapid maxillary expansion.Further studies are needed to clarify these findings and to investigate the clinical implications of these observations.
Highlights
Few in vivo studies have investigated the effect of maxillary expansion on strabismus; some in vitro studies hypothesized that changes in the palatal width obtained with rapid maxillary expansion appliances could involve other bone structures that contain blood vessels and nerves conveying to the orbital cavity
The results of our clinical evaluation showed a remarkable modification of the oculomotor system of our patient as an outcome of the rapid maxillary expansion
We present the case of a 14-year-old Caucasian girl affected by strabismus and referred for the treatment of a class III malocclusion with transverse maxillary deficiency, which was corrected by the application of a rapid maxillary expansion (RME) appliance (Haas type)
Summary
It could be hypothesized that the changes in the palatal width obtained with RME appliances can involve other bone structures that contain blood vessels and nerves that convey to the orbital cavity; further studies are needed to clarify these findings and to investigate the clinical implications of these observations. We can try to understand the results of our clinical evaluation: in this case, we observed a remarkable modification of the oculomotor system of the aforementioned patient as an outcome of the RME. Consent Written informed consent was obtained from the patient's parent for publication of this case report and accompanying images. All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript. Author details 1Life Health and Environmental Science Department, School of Dentistry, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy. Author details 1Life Health and Environmental Science Department, School of Dentistry, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy. 2Department of Clinical Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Medicine, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy. 3School of Dentistry, Dental Clinic, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, Building Delta 6, 67100, L’Aquila, Italy
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