The biometry of mandibular osteotomy repair

Relationship between the risk of mandibular angle fractures and the status of incompletely erupted mandibular third molars

BACKGROUND

Several studies have shown the increased risk of mandibular angle fractures associated with incompletely erupted mandibular third molars. But only a few reports analysed in detail the relationship of the status of eruption of this tooth and this type of fracture.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to clarify the influence of the eruption status of incompletely erupted mandibular third molars on the incidence of mandibular angle fractures.

METHODS

Four hundred and thirty-six mandibular halves in 218 patients with mandibular fractures, aged between 15 and 40 years old, were analysed using panoramic radiographs.

RESULTS

The incidence of angle fractures in the mandibular halves with incompletely erupted mandibular third molars was 30.8% and this was statistically significantly higher than that in another group (p<0.0001). Deeply located mandibular third molars clearly showed a higher incidence of this fracture when compared with the adjacent second molar (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The results of this investigation showed that incompletely erupted mandibular third molars close to the inferior border of the mandible have a high risk of angle fractures.

Positional stability following intentional posterior ostectomy of the distal segment in bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy for correction of mandibular prognathism

PURPOSE

In order to minimize post-operative relapse after mandibular setback using bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy, we have recently tried a technique, i.e. intentional ostectomy of the posterior part of the distal segment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of this technique on the frequencies and extent of post-operative relapse.

PATIENTS

This study was based on 61 cases of mandibular prognathism. The traditional sagittal split was performed in 24 cases (average age: 22.0+/-3.8) as a control group and the technique of additional distal ostectomy was used in the other 37 cases (average age: 23.2+/-3.2) as a test group.

METHODS

Horizontal and vertical changes in the position of the body of the mandible were measured to determine the amount of long-term post-operative relapse. The amount of relapse was compared between groups and the statistical significance of the differences was evaluated.

RESULTS

The relapse index of the test group was significantly lower than that of the control group in the 6- and 12-month post-operative periods (p>0.005). The horizontal relapse index and facial length relapse index of the test group were lower than those of the control group 12 months post-operatively (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

This method should be considered as a useful method to maximise long-term post-operative stability.

Radiographic stereophotogrammetric evaluation of intersegmental stability after mandibular sagittal split osteotomy and rigid fixation

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine if rigid fixation with bicortical screws and/or miniplates with monocortical screws prevent mobility at the osteotomy site after bilateral mandibular sagittal split osteotomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three metal bone markers were inserted in the proximal and the distal segments of the mandible during the sagittal split operation in 10 patients. These served as measurement points in postoperative follow-up by radiographic stereophotogrammetry. The patients were examined at intervals during the first postoperative year. At each examination, 2 sets of radiographic stereograms were obtained: 1 in rest position and 1 with stress applied to the osteotomy sites. The difference in the position of the proximal segment in relation to the distal segment between the 2 sets of stereograms was recorded. Findings greater than 0.4 degrees and 0.2 mm change indicated true displacement of the bone segments.

RESULTS

Immediately after surgery, mobility at of the osteotomy site(s) was found in 8 of 10 patients, and after 1 year it was still present in 4 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Fixation with bicortical screws or miniplates and monocortical screws does not prevent mobility at the osteotomy site after sagittal split osteotomies. This mobility may remain as long as 1 year after surgery. The term "rigid fixation" is thus not a proper term for this kind of fixation.

Factors influencing the stability of the sagittal split osteotomy for mandibular advancement

Relapse continues to be a potential problem with use of the sagittal split osteotomy to advance the mandible. In an effort to isolate predictive factors, the records of 235 patients were analyzed to determine the pretreatment facial morphology, the amount of advancement, the amount of relapse, and the duration of relapse. No relationship was found between any of the measures of facial morphology and relapse. However, the amount of advancement, the amount of relapse, and the duration of relapse all were found to be strongly related. It was found that all patients shared a similar facial morphology, and thus no influence of facial form on relapse would be expected from this group. The relationships between advancement and relapse could be attributed to neuromuscular adaptation, which would be more prolonged and more extensive in instances of greater advancement, and thus give rise to relapse of greater extent and duration. It is therefore suggested that mandibular advancements of greater than 10 mm be fixed more rigidly and for a greater length of time than those of lesser magnitude.

Experimental fractures of the mandibular body of sheep and dogs. A new technique

In order to create artificial fractures in animals resembling those which occur naturally, a new technique for fracture production was developed. Using a specially designed clamp, artificial fractures were produced in the mandibular body of seven sheep and 12 dogs. Radiographical analysis of the effects of the clamp on the mandibular body showed simple, single vertical fractures in the buccal cortex, inferior border and the alveolar process comparable to those which occur naturally. Using the technique described it was possible, in all cases, to carry out treatment with the use of 4-hole poly(L-lactide) plates and screws.

Stability after vertical subcondylar ramus osteotomy for correction of mandibular prognathism

A cephalometric analysis of the positional changes of the mandible and the upper and lower incisors following vertical subcondylar ramus osteotomy was performed on 80 patients. The patients were prognathic without laterognathism or open bite and all the patients had preoperative orthodontic treatment. 40 patients were operated with an intraoral (IVSO) and 40 with an extraoral approach (EVSO). Both groups showed postoperatively posterior rotation of the mandible, shortening of the posterior facial height, increase in anterior facial height and extrusion of the incisors in both jaws. A significantly greater reduction of posterior facial height was observed in the EVSO-group, but otherwise the 2 groups did not reveal any statistically significant positional differences. The material was sub-divided into 2 groups 1 with (n = 32) and one group without (n = 48) extra skeletal (nasomandibular) fixation in addition to the intermaxillary fixation. Significantly less positional changes of the incisors and less increase of anterior facial height was found in the group with skeletal fixation, but the influence on other skeletal alterations was limited. After release of the intermaxillary fixation, the only difference between the groups was intrusion of the earlier extruded incisors, most pronounced in the group without skeletal fixation.

Stability of the osteotomy site after oblique sliding osteotomy of the mandibular rami. A stereometric and plain radiographic study

Displacement of the mandible 2-2 1/2 years after oblique sliding osteotomy of the mandibular rami is reported. Stability of the osteotomy site has been assumed to be complete much earlier, however. In the present stereo radiographic study mobility at the osteotomy site was recorded as late as 2 years after surgery. No sign of delayed healing was recorded in the plain radiographic examination. It seems possible that relapse after oblique sliding osteotomy continues as long as the functional matrix can influence an unstable osteotomy site. As plain radiography does not give full information on the quality of bone, the stability of the osteotomy site can not be assessed by this method.

Condylar position following mandibular advancement: its relationship to relapse

Forty-one patients who elected to receive a bilateral sagittal osteotomy to advance the mandible were examined clinically and radiographically to assess condylar position preoperatively and at three specific times postoperatively. Parameters designed to measure changes in condylar and distal fragment position were located on tracings and digitized for statistical analysis. Changes in distal fragment position included advancement and clockwise rotation during the surgical interval and significant posterior relapse with continued clockwise rotation during the period of maxillomandibular fixation. A small amount of counterclockwise rotation associated with interocclusal splint removal was seen following fixation release. No significant condylar movement was seen during the surgical interval. During the period of maxillomandibular fixation, both condyles exhibited a significant superior movement, and the left condyle also moved posteriorly. No changes in condylar position were noted following release of fixation. The clinical significance of these condylar movements is not clear. Despite minimal changes, 18 patients, six of whom had had no preoperative symptoms and one of whom had exhibited reciprocal clicking, complained of temporomandibular joint pain or noise postoperatively. This suggests that maintenance of condylar position during surgery may not prevent temporomandibular joint dysfunction. In addition, the observed 37% relapse in surgical advancement in the absence of significant condylar distraction implies the interaction of other factors in the relapse process.

Cortex-to-cortex healing after mandibular osteotomy

Cortex-to-cortex healing is frequently attempted following orthognathic surgical procedures. This paper reports the results of in vivo experiments to investigate the healing process when two cortical surfaces are conjoined and discusses the implications in relation to the surgical correction of mandibular prognathism.