Changes in the temporomandibular joint position depending on the sagittal osteotomy technique and extent of mandibular movement

The bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) and high oblique sagittal split osteotomy (HSSO) are common techniques for mandibular movement in orthognathic surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of both techniques, as well as movement distances and directions, on the position of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A total of 80 mandibular movements were performed on 20 fresh human cadaver heads, four on each head. Pre- and postoperative cone beam computed tomography was used to plan the surgical procedure and analyse the TMJ. Reference measurements included the anterior, superior, and posterior joint spaces, intercondylar distances and angles in the axial and coronal planes, and the sagittal, coronal, and axial angulations of the proximal segment. Only minor differences were found between the BSSO and HSSO techniques, particularly in terms of the intercondylar angle in the axial plane (P < 0.03) and the condylar angle of the proximal segment in the sagittal plane (P < 0.011). Observed changes in the TMJ were mostly opposite when moving the mandible forwards and backwards and increased with increasing movement distance. BSSO and HSSO result in similar changes in TMJ position. The extent of the movement distance influences the position of the condyle more than the osteotomy technique.     

Patient expectations and satisfaction following orthognathic surgery

Orthognathic surgery aims to correct dentoskeletal and facial discrepancies. Treatment usually requires a minimum of 18 months, necessitating that patients are adequately satisfied with the treatment provided. This study aimed to assess the determinants of patient satisfaction following treatment. One hundred and eighteen patients who had undergone orthognathic surgery were included prospectively. All participants completed a questionnaire regarding their reasons for undergoing treatment, treatment logistics, treatment outcomes, and satisfaction throughout their journey. Most patients were ‘very satisfied’ (71.2%) or ‘satisfied’ (19.5%) with the overall treatment. The majority wished to improve their smile (78.0%); post-treatment, 89.0% of patients reported an improved smile. Almost half of the patients (46.6%) stayed in hospital for only one night, and 41.5% took over 4 weeks off work or school post-surgery. People with postoperative breathing difficulties spent more days in hospital (P = 0.021), but importantly, the duration of hospital stay did not differ between maxillary advancement, bilateral sagittal split osteotomy, and bimaxillary surgery (P = 0.78). In conclusion, patient satisfaction was high following orthognathic treatment. The results highlight areas for improvement, such as information delivery to the patient throughout the treatment journey, and show that the presence of ongoing problems is an important predictor of patient satisfaction.     

Plate fixation after mandibular osteotomy

Skeletal asymmetry in patients who undergo orthognathic surgery is frequently associated with postoperative temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders caused by condylar rotation. This study was designed to elucidate the relation between changes in the condylar long axis and TMJ function after bisagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). A total of 42 patients with mandibular prognathism underwent BSSO. Split osseous fragments were secured by standard titanium plates in 22 patients; bent titanium plates were used to secure fragments in 20 patients. The angle of the bent plates was adjusted to avoid displacement of the condyle after osteotomy, as compared with condylar position on preoperative submental-vertical (S-V) cephalograms. The postoperative position of the condyle was assessed on X-ray film, and changes in TMJ function were evaluated. The condylar long axis differed significantly on X-ray film between patients using a standard titanium plate and those using a bent plate (P<0.05), and no sign of TMJ functional impairment was noted in the bent-plate group. Although the use of bent plates requires further study, maintenance of a suitable position of the condyle relative to the condylar axis is one of the conditions for a successful outcome of BSSO.     

Bite force, occlusal contact area and masticatory efficiency before and after orthognathic surgical correction of mandibular prognathism

The purpose of this study was to evaluate bite force, occlusal contact area and masticatory efficiency before and after sagittal split ramus osteotomy in 27 patients with mandibular prognathism, in comparison with 27 control subjects with normal occlusion. Bite force and occlusal contact area were simultaneously measured with a computerized occlusal analysis system, the Dental Prescale system. Masticatory efficiency was estimated by a low-adhesive colour-developing chewing-gum system. The data were collected at initial medical consultation, immediately before surgery, and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and more than 2 years after surgery. Both bite force and occlusal contact area of the patients before surgery were significantly less than those of the controls. Although all three parameters had improved after orthognathic surgery, the bite force and occlusal contact area did not reach the values of the controls within 2 years postoperatively; masticatory efficiency at 2 years after surgery drew near to control levels. Bite force correlated with occlusal contact area in the patients postoperatively, whereas masticatory efficiency did not correlate with either of the other two parameters. These results suggest that further adjustment of occlusion and mechanical advantage should be considered before the end of treatment.     

Independent risk factors for long-term skeletal relapse after mandibular advancement with bilateral sagittal split osteotomy

The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to identify the independent risk factors for long-term skeletal relapse following mandibular advancement with bilateral sagittal split osteotomy. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed including nine common risk factors for relapse as independent variables and horizontal/vertical long-term (≥2 years) skeletal relapse as dependent variables. Ninety-six patients were analyzed; 66 were female (68.8%) and the average age of the patients was 29.7 ± 10.5 years. Over an average follow-up of 3.8 ± 1.8 years after an initial mandibular advancement of 8.8 ± 2.4 mm, long-term skeletal relapse of 1.6 ± 1.0 mm horizontal and 0.9 ± 0.7 mm vertical was found. Multivariate analysis identified age, preoperative mandibular plane angle (MPA), bimaxillary surgery, counterclockwise mandibular rotation, and the magnitude of mandibular advancement to be significantly associated with horizontal long-term skeletal relapse. Preoperative MPA, counterclockwise mandibular rotation, and the magnitude of mandibular advancement were significantly associated with vertical long-term skeletal relapse. Thus preoperative MPA, the magnitude of mandibular advancement, and counterclockwise mandibular rotation of the mandible were found to be independent risk factors for both horizontal and vertical long-term skeletal relapse. Although long-term skeletal relapse cannot be avoided entirely, understanding the independent risk factors and their contributions will optimize treatment planning and long-term stability.     

Effects of mandibular advancement surgery combined with minimal maxillary displacement on the volume and most restricted cross-sectional area of the pharyngeal airway

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the volume and most restricted cross-sectional area of the pharyngeal airway as a result of mandibular advancement surgery with minimal maxillary displacement, and to ascertain the change in height of this restricted area and whether gender and age could influence these results. Cone beam computed tomography scans were obtained from 25 patients (seven male and 18 female, average age 35.5 years). The measurements were done using the InVivoDental software (version 5.0). Comparisons were made between measurements taken prior to treatment (T1) and postsurgery (T2, average 6.3 months after surgery). No variation was detected on the scans with regard to head position, which could influence the pharynx airway. Surgery significantly increased the pharynx airway volume at the total (P < 0.0001), upper (P = 0.0001), and lower (P < 0.0001) levels, with respective enlargements of 54.5%, 37.0%, and 91.3%. Gender and age did not influence this increase. A significant enlargement in the minimum area of the pharynx airway was detected (P < 0.0001), which changed in shape from a tapering to a rounded shape. Using binomial and multiple logistic regression tests, this constricted site presented an unpredictable change in position as a result of surgery, with no association to gender (P = 0.0745) or age (P = 0.5879).     

Functional and radiographic long-term results after bad split in orthognathic surgery

Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) is a standard procedure in orthognathic surgery. The aim of the present study was to perform a matched pair analysis (bad sagittal split versus regular sagittal split) regarding the functional and radiographic long-term results after BSSO. Of 110 cases of mandibular hypoplasy treated with BSSO, 7 cases of bad sagittal splits (Group A) were selected, clinically examined and matched to 7 cases where no bad split occurred (Group B). The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporo Mandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD), condylar morphology scale (CMS) and ramus height measurements using orthopantomograms were carried out in the follow-up period to observe the clinical and functional status and condylar resorbtion or remodelling. The mean follow-up time was 28.6 months. The RDC/TMD examination did not show a higher incidence of temporomandibular dysfunction, including pain or clicking in the bad split group. Patients without a bad split showed statistically significant (p<0.05) better mouth opening. The CMS measurements were comparable in both groups. When compared with regular splits, bad splits, if treated in an appropriate manner, have a good chance of functional success, although, some mandibular movements can be compromised.     

Penetration of inferior alveolar nerve canal increased by bicortical fixation after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy in mandibular prognathism

The purpose of this three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) study was to identify the difference between monocortical fixation (MCF) and bicortical fixation (BCF) in mandibular canal penetration after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) to correct mandibular prognathism, where interosseous fixation was done by BCF or MCF. CBCT was performed 1 week postoperatively and Dolphin 3D software was used to assess direct penetration of the mandibular canal by either type of screw. The primary outcome variable was the presence or absence of mandibular canal penetration and was categorized as a binary coded variable. The BCF and MCF groups were compared by χ² test, and the odds ratio for canal penetration was estimated. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify factors related to canal penetration. A total of 118 patients were included. The MCF group had only 6% canal penetrations (3/50 patients) and the BCF group had 58.8% canal penetrations (40/68 patients). The regression model showed that BCF was the only factor causing mandibular canal penetration, with an adjusted odds ratio of 52.5. Awareness of the increased risk of canal penetration with BCF and potential nerve injury might influence case selection.     

双侧升支矢状劈开截骨后退下颌术后骨的稳定性的研究

目的：探讨双侧升支矢状劈开截骨术（BSSRO）后退下颌骨以钢丝结扎固定两骨段加颌间固定术后骨的稳定性，了解导致复发的有关因素。方法：双侧下颌升支矢状劈开截骨手术后退下颌的患者14例，于手术前1周，手术后1周，术后6个月分别拍摄定位头颅侧位片及许勒位X线片，用于测量下颌移动的距离及确定下颌骨髁状突的位置。结果：双侧下颌升支矢状劈开截骨后退术后，6个月的复发率为27.2%，多元逐步回归分析示下颌后退的距离与复发相关。结论：BSSRO后退下颌骨的距离越大，术后下颌骨向前移位的可能越大。     

A long-term comparative study of two rigid internal fixation techniques in terms of masticatory function and neurosensory disturbance after mandibular correction by bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy

Bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSO) is widely used to treat mandibular prognathism. Several methods have been described for fixation of the bony segments. This study compared two methods of rigid fixation (bicortical screws and monocortical miniplates) to identify differences in postoperative masticatory function and neurosensory disturbance after 5 years of mandibular set-back correction. 77 women who had undergone BSSO for Class III malocclusion were reviewed, and masticatory functions and neurosensory recovery were examined with the appropriate indicators pre- and postoperatively (at approximately 1 month, and 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years). Masticatory function exhibited similar recovery patterns in both groups. Orthognathic surgery improved occlusal force and occlusal contact area, but longer than 4 years after surgery may be required for postoperative occlusal functions in prognathic patients to reach the level of healthy subjects. The groups showed no significant differences in the recovery of parameters of masticatory functions and neurosensory disturbance even 5 years after surgery. In the evaluation of temporomandibular joint function using the Helkimo index, the score was significantly higher for the screw group than for the miniplate group. This suggests that BSSO fixed with miniplates may offer a relatively safe and reliable procedure yielding adequate results and high patient satisfaction.     

The stability of facial osteotomies. 4. Maxillary and mandibular (with or without chin) advancement with rigid internal fixation

The short-term (6 weeks postoperative) and long-term (12 months postoperative) horizontal skeletal stability of combined maxillary and mandibular advancement was evaluated by cephalometric analysis of 15 patients.
The mean horizontal advancement of the maxilla was 5.84 mm. Six weeks later a mean horizontal relapse of 0.03 mm (0.05%) was identified. The mean horizontal relapse at long-term follow-up was 0.59 mm (10.1%).
The mean horizontal advancement of the mandible was 12.35 mm at menton and 12.65 mm at pogonion. At 6 weeks, mean horizontal relapse, respectively at the above landmarks, was 0.11 mm and 0.21 mm (1.3%). The mean horizontal relapse at long-term follow-up was 2.19 mm and 1.98 mm (16.6%) respectively for the same landmarks.
Subjectively and objectively, improvements were seen in facial aesthetics and dental occlusion. The results indicate that rigid fixation of osteotomies undertaken to correct 'horizontal facial deficiency' is a surgically predictable and relatively stable procedure when reviewed up to 12 months after surgery.     

Surgical morbidities of sagittal split ramus osteotomy versus intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy for the correction of mandibular prognathism: a randomized clinical trial

The sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) and intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) are two common orthognathic procedures for the treatment of mandibular prognathism. This randomized clinical trial compared the surgical morbidities between SSRO and IVRO for patients with mandibular prognathism over the first 2 years postoperative. Ninety-eight patients (40 male, 58 female) with a mean age of 24.4 ± 3.5 years underwent bilateral SSRO (98 sides) or IVRO (98 sides) as part or all of their orthognathic surgery. IVRO presented less short-term and long-term surgical morbidity in general. The SSRO group had a greater incidence of inferior alveolar nerve deficit at all follow-up time points (P <  0.01). There was more TMJ pain at 6 weeks (P =  0.047) and 3 months (P =  0.001) postoperative in the SSRO group. The SSRO group also presented more minor complications, which were related to titanium plate exposure and infection. There were no major complications for either technique in this study. Despite the need for intermaxillary fixation, IVRO appears to be associated with less surgical morbidity than SSRO when performed as a mandibular setback procedure to treat mandibular prognathism.     

Position of the mandibular canal before and after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy: a cone beam computed tomographic study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the position of the mandibular canal (MC) before and after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) using cone-beam computed tomography (CT), and to compare the position of the MC in Class II and Class III patients in the preoperative period. Patients were divided into two groups: Class II (n = 38) and Class III (n = 41). Measurements of the superior, inferior, buccal, and lingual distances of the MC in relation to the cortical bone were taken at three levels in the proximal segment of the mandible. Results were analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis test (p < 0.05). In the Class II group the superior distance of the MC at levels 2 and 3, and the inferior distance at level 3 significantly decreased after BSSRO. In the Class III group, no significant differences were found at any level, and the inferior distances at all levels were smaller preoperatively than those in the Class II group. In the Class II group the position of the MC altered in relation to superior and inferior cortical bone after BSSRO. However, the position of the MC remained stable in the Class III group. Our results also suggest a deeper cut in inferior cortical bone in Class III patients.     

双侧下颌升支矢状劈开截骨后退术对下颌骨宽度及形态的影响

目的通过对下颌前突患者行双侧下颌升支矢状劈开截骨后退术前后头颅正侧位定位片硬组织结构变化的洲量分析,评价手术对患者下颌骨宽度及形态的影响。方法选择1997年至2001年在我中心行双侧下颌升支矢状劈开术的下颌前突患者18例,男性9例,女性9例,平均年龄22．22岁,所有患者手术前、术后一周、术后一年拍摄静止位头颅正侧位定位片,在正位片上测量下颌骨宽度(Go-Go),并从头颅正侧位定位片上测量与下颌骨宽度变化有关的参数数值。结果①下颌骨宽度由107．30mm±5．84mm(术前)增加至109．24mm±5．72mm(术后一周)、109．31mm±5．66mm(术后一年),其中有4例宽度减小,1例保持不变。13例增加,②下颌骨宽度术前、术后一用、术后一年的方差分析结果表明差别有显著性。③分析表明下颌骨宽度变化与各参数变化之间没有线性相关。结论①下颌骨宽度在双侧下颌升支矢状劈开截骨术后较术前有轻微增大,但对容貌没有大的影响。②下颌骨宽度变化机制可能与颞下颌关节功能改变有关。     

Stability after sagittal split ramus osteotomy without post-operative maxillomandibular fixation in the treatment of prognathic patients with asymmetric mandibles

This study was designed to examine the post-operative stability in prognathic patients with mandibular asymmetry, who underwent sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) of the mandible and titanium screw fixation without post-operative maxillomandibular fixation (MMF). Twenty prognathic patients were examined. An appliance for repositioning the proximal segment was applied during surgery in all patients. Ten patients with symmetric mandibles underwent post-operative MMF with stainless steel wire and intermaxillary rubber traction after removal of MMF (Group I), and the other 10 patients with asymmetric mandibles received only intermaxillary rubber traction post-operatively (Group II). Posteroanterior cephalograms were obtained pre-operatively; 2–3 days post-operatively; and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Changes in the positions of the gonion points (Go) and upper and lower incisors (U-1 and L-1) were examined. In both groups, the Go tended to shift laterally, as a consequence of the operation. Although the tendencies of the post-operative changes in (Go) points of Groups I and II were different, statistical analyses revealed no differences between the two groups. At the late stage of follow-up, the absolute value of the change in L-1 tended to be larger in Group II than in Group I, but without statistical significance. This study suggests that post-operative change in prognathic patients with asymmetric mandibles treated without post-operative MMF is comparable to that in patients with symmetric mandibles treated with post-operative MMF. Therefore, post-operative MMF might be avoided, even in prognathic patients with asymmetric mandibles.     

Mandibular stability after sagittal split ramus osteotomy without post-operative maxillomandibular fixation in the treatment of prognathic patients with symmetric mandibles

This study was designed to examine post-operative stability in prognathic patients with symmetric lower jaws who underwent sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) of the mandible without post-operative maxillomandibular fixation (MMF). Twenty prognathic patients with symmetric mandibles were investigated. An appliance for repositioning the proximal segment and titanium screw fixation was applied in all patients. Ten patients underwent post-operative MMF with stainless steel wire (mean duration, 9.6 days) and intermaxillary rubber traction after removal of the MMF (Group I), and the remaining ten underwent intermaxillary rubber traction only (Group II) post-operatively. Cephalograms were obtained 2–3 days post-operatively, and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Changes in the positions of upper incisors (U-1), lower incisors (L-1), B-point, and pogonion were examined on lateral cephalograms. In the early stages of follow-up, decreases in the overbite tended to be more marked in Group I than in Group II, and the forward movement of each standard point was significantly larger in Group I than in Group II. No significant differences, however, were revealed between the two groups at 12 months after surgery. Forward movement of anterior cephalometric landmarks, post-operatively, in Group II were significant, however, this pattern differed from Group I, in which big changes occurred in the early stages after surgery. Although the patterns of post-operative changes in the two groups are different, there are no significant differences in their post-operative stability in long-term follow-up. Therefore, post-operative MMF may be avoided when prognathic patients with symmetric mandibles undergo SSRO with an appliance for repositioning the proximal segment and titanium screw fixation.     

Asymmetric mandibular prognathism: Outcome,stability and patient satisfaction after BSSO surgery. A retrospective study

PurposeTo investigate surgical outcome, long-term stability, the time course of relapse, neurosensory disturbances, and patient satisfaction after BSSO for correction of mandibular asymmetry. Another objective was to examine whether osteotomies for transverse rotation of the distal segment represent an increased risk for nerve injury.Subjects and methodsIn a retrospective study lateral and postero-anterior cephalograms, information from patient files and questionnaires were analysed for 38 patients having more than 4 mm asymmetry at the chin pre-treatment (mean 8.4 mm). The radiographs were analysed preoperatively, postoperatively, after 6 months and 3 years.ResultsAsymmetry of the chin to the facial midline improved on average by 56%. Skeletal relapse was about the same for transverse and antero-posterior surgical changes (10–15%). 58% of the patients had asymmetry of more than 3 mm at menton 3 years post-surgery. Discrepancy between upper and lower dental midlines improved on average 80%. Normal or near normal sensation to the lower lip/chin was reported by 44% of the patients which is similar to sensory disturbances after BSSO straight set-back performed by the same surgical team. A difference in the incidence of neurosensory disturbance between the two osteotomy sides was observed. Satisfaction with the treatment result was reported by all patients except for two.ConclusionCorrection of mandibular asymmetry by BSSO is fairly stable. Although the risk for sensory impairment for the individual patient was similar to impairment in a sample having straight setback, rotation of the distal segment during surgery may represent an increased risk for sensory impairment on the deviating side (P = 0.06). Three years after surgery patients were generally satisfied with the result even if more than 3 mm of asymmetry at the chin remained for 58%. The findings have implications for treatment planning and the decision to elect one-jaw, bimaxillary surgery and/or additional genioplasty.     

Unilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy: an alternative for some cases of asymmetric mandibular prognathism

The objective of this study was to propose a treatment protocol for patients with lateral prognathism based on the unilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (USSRO). This was a prospective study involving 31 patients with lateral prognathism, who required a bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO). Two groups were formed using the proposed protocol, with specific inclusion criteria for each group: BSSRO (n = 17) and USSRO (n = 14). Occlusal parameters (dental midline deviation, overbite, and overjet) were measured preoperatively (T0), at model surgery (T1), 1 month postoperative (T2), and 1 year after surgery (T3) and compared. P-values of <0.05 were considered significant. No significant difference was found between the USSRO and BSSRO groups for all occlusal parameters (T0, T1, T2, and T3). In both groups, there was a significant difference between T0 and T1 and no significant difference between T1 and T2 or T1 and T3 in all of the occlusal parameters; the exception was overbite between T1 and T2 in the BSSRO group, which showed a significant difference. No patient in either group showed signs or symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction at T0 or T3. USSRO was found to be a stable alternative in patients with asymmetric mandibular prognathism. At the same time, it reduced the operating time and morbidity when compared to BSSRO.     

3D vector analysis of mandibular condyle stability in mandibular setback surgery with bicortical bioabsorbable screw fixation

IntroductionBioabsorbable screws became widely used for stable fixation in orthognathic surgery as biomechanical technology advanced. Recently, 3D image analyses begin to be used to evaluate surgical changes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate, using 3D vector analysis, the stability of bicortical bioabsorbable screw fixation in mandibular setback using a sagittal split ramus osteotomy.Spatial change of the mandibular condyle was determined by 3D coordinates containing directional information.Materials and methodsBicortical screw fixation was performed using either a bioabsorbable screw (25 patients) or a titanium screw (5 patients) in orthognathic surgery. Pre- and post-operative CT images (6 months after surgery) were superimposed digitally. A 3D coordinate (X, Y, Z) and vectors were employed to quantify spatial changes of the condyle and analysed statistically.ResultsMeasuring on 3D image showed stable error about 0.16 mm. There were no significant differences in the total spatial changes of the condyle between titanium and bioabsorbable screws with the exception of the lateral–medial direction of the condylar centre (P = 0.042). The directional vector components were stable, regardless of mandibular setback.ConclusionIn 3D vector analysis, bioabsorbable screw fixation in SSRO with distal segment osteotomy shows clinically acceptable postoperative condylar position stability.     

MRI changes in the temporomandibular joint following mandibular setback surgery using sagittal split ramus osteotomy with rigid fixation

Objectives: This study examined the changes in temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) symptoms and investigated the variations in the disc position, disc and condylar morphology following sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) with rigid fixation in patients with mandibular prognathism. Furthermore, the authors examined the correlation between mandibular setback and TMD symptoms.

Methods: The study included 24 Japanese patients with jaw deformities who were treated using bilateral SSRO and Le Fort I osteotomy. The clinical and magnetic resonance imaging findings in the temporomandibular joint were evaluated preoperatively and at three and six months postoperatively.

Results: The preoperative TMD symptoms were significantly associated with the prevalence of TMD symptoms at six months postoperatively. Anterior disc displacement improved in four joints with slight displacement and with no morphological change. There were no postoperative changes in condylar morphology. There was no significant correlation between mandibular setback and the postoperative TMD symptoms.

Conclusion: Postoperative TMD symptoms may be influenced mainly by preoperative TMD symptoms rather than mandibular setback using SSRO with rigid fixation. Therefore, patients with TMD symptoms require physical examination and MRI for appropriate diagnosis preoperatively.