Evaluation of Early Relapse After Mandibular Lengthening Surgery

Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO)of the mandible is a surgical procedure used to correct dentofacial discrepancies. Post-operative stability is of great concern for CMF (Cranio maxillo facial) surgeons as the goal is to achieve optimal functional outcomes, good aesthetic results and satisfaction of patients' concerns. Skeletal relapse is a known complication of mandibular lengthening surgery and is divided into two groups; short term or early relapse and long term or late relapse.

Short term relapse occurs within the first 6 to 8 weeks post-operatively and is due to intersegmental movement at the osteotomy site (osteotomy slippage) and osteosynthesis slippage. Late relapse is thought to be caused by progressive condylar resorption, a clinical entity affecting the temporomandibular joint.

The rationale to reconstruct the lateral cortical defect resulting from mandibular advancement with BSSO with a bone graft substitute lies in the prevention of an unaesthetic notching at the inferior border. The use of a self-hardening, space-occupying paste could add mechanical stability, thus increase 3D-stability at the osteotomy site and prevent early relapse.

The use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the treatment planning and postoperative follow-up of orthognathic patients has provided the surgeons with a new three-dimensional imaging modality to evaluate the postoperative skeletal relapse and postoperative morphologic changes of the condyles. Skeletal relapse, as well as positional and dimensional changes of the condyles, can be quantified in three dimensions.

• Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (Procedure): Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible is a surgical procedure used to correct dentofacial discrepancies

Primary outcomes

• early relapse by means of three dimensional color maps (CBCT) [the first 6 months postoperatively]: evaluation at the osteotomy gap, the position of the condyles, rami and chin

Secondary outcomes

• condylar resorption by means of three dimensional color maps (CBCT) [the first 6 months postoperatively]: a three-dimensional volumetric analysis of the condylar head and the glenoid cavity

Sex: All, ages: 10 Years to 75 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Class II occlusion of non-syndromic origin, mandibular hypoplasia
* Availability of pre- and postoperative CBCT scans of sufficient quality
* Age: >10years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous orthognathic surgical treatment
* Simultaneously performed genioplasty
* Plate osteosynthesis
* Buccal plate fracture during surgery

• Erica Coppey, MD, Principal investigator, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel
• Maurice Mommaerts, Prof. Mult, Study director, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel