CLINICAL STUDY OF SENSORY ALTERATIONS AFTER SAGITTAL SPLIT RAMUS OSTEOTOMY

Choi, Jun Young; Yoo, Jun Yeol; Yoon, Bo Keun; Leem, Dae Ho; Shin, Hyo Keun; Ko, Seung O

Abstract

The bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) is preferred method of surgical correction for mandibular prognathism, retrognathism and asymmetry. This technique performed from primarily an intraoral incision to avoid a scar. After forward movement of the distal segment of the mandible, healing of bone by primary or secondary intention is easily accomplished through large areas of cancellous bony overlap. When rigid fixation is used for the BSSRO, it is possible to open the mouth during the immediate post-operative period because it promotes the healing process. Although this surgical procedure has been well-documented, the incidence of postoperative trigeminal neurosensory disorder in the region of the inferior alveolar nerve and the mental nerve remains one of the major complication. However, evaluation of objective methods for sensory recovery patterns is insufficient although most patients find their sensory return. Neurometer electrodiagnostic device performs automated neuroselective sensory nerve conduction threshold evaluation by determining current perception threshold (CPT) measures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensory recovery patterns of inferior alveolar and mental nerve over time. Nerve examination with a neurometer was performed in 30 patients undergoing the BSSRO at pre-operative, post-operative 1-, 2-, 4- week, and 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6- month follow-up visits after the osteotomy to compare the differences of nerve injury and recovery patterns after the BSSRO with or without genioplasty and sensory recovery patterns associated with the kind of nerve fiber.