Research

A new technique for mandibular osteotomy

Edela Puricelli

School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

author email corresponding author email

Head & Face Medicine 2007, 3:15doi:10.1186/1746-160X-3-15

Published:	13 March 2007

Abstract

Sagittal split osteotomy (SSO) is a surgical technique largely employed for mandibular mobilizations in orthognatic procedures. However, the traditional design of buccal osteotomy, located at the junction of mandibular ramus and body, may prevent more extensive sliding between the bone segments, particularly on the advance, laterality and verticality of the mandibular body. The author proposes a new technical and conceptual solution, in which osteotomy is performed in a more distal region, next to the mental formamen. Technically, the area of contact between medullary-cancellous bone surfaces is increased, resulting in larger sliding rates among bone segments; it also facilitates the use of rigid fixation systems, with miniplates and monocortical screws. Conceptually, it interferes with the resistance arm of the mandible, seen as an interpotent lever of the third gender.