Postoperative changes after bilateral mandibular osteotomies: a computed tomography study

Twelve patients undergoing bilateral osteotomy of the ramus of the mandible were examined with CT preoperatively and postoperatively. The maximum area of the cheek and oropharynx was measured together with the thickness of the masseter muscle and the overlying subcutaneous tissue. The preoperative CT examinations showed wide anatomic variations. The postoperative examinations showed a diminished oropharynx lumen of approximately 43%. Swelling of the cheek averaged 61% and was associated with the well-vascularized masseter muscle. The TMJs were measured and a slight widening of the joint space was found postoperatively.