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Orthognathic surgery is carried out to correct jaw deformities and to improve facial aesthetics. However, controversy surrounds whether the maxilla- or mandible-first surgery approach leads to better surgical outcomes. In our previous study, we have shown that in most instances, the maxilla-first surgical approach yielded closer concordance with the 3D virtual treatment plan than a mandibular-first procedure. However, the post-operative stability of each approach has not been investigated. Therefore, this one-year follow-up study was set-up and investigated the postoperative skeletal stability of the 3D planned translations and rotations after either the maxilla- or mandible-first surgery. In total, 106 patients who underwent bimaxillary surgery and had an individualized 3D virtual operation plans, received either maxilla-first (n = 53) or mandible-first (n = 53) surgery. 3D printed interocclusal splints were used during surgery to position the jaws. One year postoperatively a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan was made to assess the effects using the OrthoGnathicAnalyser. The mean sagittal, vertical and transverse relapse was less than 1.8 mm and no significant differences were found in relapse between the maxilla-first or the mandibular-first surgical procedure. Overall, this study shows that 3D virtual planning in combination with an optimised sequencing of osteotomies provides predictable long-term results in bimaxillary surgery.

The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of sequencing a two-component surgical procedure for correcting malpositioned jaws (bimaxillary osteotomies); specifically, surgical repositioning of the upper jaw-maxilla, and the lower jaw-mandible. Within a population of 116 patients requiring bimaxillary osteotomies, the investigators analyzed whether there were statistically significant differences in postoperative outcome as measured by concordance with a preoperative digital 3D virtual treatment plan. In one group of subjects (n = 58), the maxillary surgical procedure preceded the mandibular surgery. In the second group (n = 58), the mandibular procedure preceded the maxillary surgical procedure. A semi-automated analysis tool (OrthoGnathicAnalyser) was applied to assess the concordance of the postoperative maxillary and mandibular position with the cone beam CT-based 3D virtual treatment planning in an effort to minimize observer variability. The results demonstrated that in most instances, the maxilla-first surgical approach yielded closer concordance with the 3D virtual treatment plan than a mandibular-first procedure. In selected circumstances, such as a planned counterclockwise rotation of both jaws, the mandible-first sequence resulted in more predictable displacements of the jaws.

Purpose: To quantify the postoperative condylar remodelling and its role in skeletal relapse after bimaxillary surgery., Materials and Methods: 50 patients with mandibular hypoplasia who underwent bimaxillary surgery were analyzed. CBCT scans were acquired preoperatively, one week postoperatively and two years postoperatively. 3D cephalometric analysis was carried out for each CBCT scan, after which the condylar volume analysis was performed., Results: The maxilla was advanced by a mean of 2.1 mm with a corresponding mean relapse of 0.3 mm. The maxilla was impacted in 23 and extruded in 27 patients. The mean mandibular advancement was 7.8 mm. Two years after surgery a mean mandibular skeletal relapse of 1.3 mm was observed. 78% of condyles exhibited a postoperative reduction in volume of 179 mm 3 (mean), equivalent to 12.5 volume%. Postoperative condylar volume loss was correlated with mandibular skeletal relapse (r = 0.42, p < 0.01), but not with maxilla relapse. Linear regression analysis identified age, gender, amount of surgical mandibular advancement and postoperative condylar volume loss as predictive factors for mandibular relapse., Conclusion: A significant correlation between postoperative condylar volume loss and skeletal relapse was found. Young female patients who underwent large bimaxillary advancement and postoperative reduction in condylar volume were particularly at risk for skeletal relapse., (Copyright © 2017 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To quantify the postoperative rotation of the proximal segments in 3D and to assess its role on skeletal relapse and condylar remodelling following BSSO advancement surgery., Material and Methods: 56 patients with mandibular hypoplasia who underwent BSSO advancement surgery were enrolled into the study. A CBCT scan was acquired preoperatively, at one week postoperatively and at one year postoperatively. After segmentation of the facial skeleton and condyles, 3D cephalometry and condylar volume analysis were performed., Results: A mean mandibular advancement of 4.6 mm was found. 55% of the condyles decreased in volume postoperatively, with a mean reduction of 6.1 volume-percent. Among 11 patients who exhibited a clinically significant relapse of more than 2 mm, 10 patients exhibited a counterclockwise rotation of the proximal segments. The odds of skeletal relapse (>2 mm) was 4.8 times higher in patients whose proximal segments were rotated in a counterclockwise direction. Postoperative flaring (3.3 mm) and torque (0.3°) were, however, not associated with skeletal relapse or condylar remodelling., Conclusion: Gender, preoperative condylar volume, postoperative condylar remodelling, counterclockwise rotation of the proximal segment and the amount of surgical advancement were prognostic factors for skeletal relapse (r(2) = 0.83). The role of the mandibular plane angle in relapse is questionable., (Copyright © 2015 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The purpose of this prospective observational study was to evaluate whether cone beam CT (CBCT) is a useful tool for analyzing the fracture line in a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). The patient group consisted of 40 consecutive patients (9 males and 31 females) with a mandibular hypoplasia who underwent a BSSO advancement (Hunsuck modification; n=80 splits) between September 2006 and July 2008. The mean age at the time of surgery was 34 years (range 17-61 years). A newly developed lingual split scale was used to categorize the path of the fracture line on the lingual side of the ramus based on one-day postoperative data sets reconstructed from CBCT data. Although all splits (n=80) were performed according to the standardized protocol, only 51% of the fracture lines run according to the Hunsuck's description, whereas 33% ran through the mandibular canal and 16% split otherwise. The split pattern was influenced by the length of the medial osteotomy (p=0.01). In conclusion, 3D imaging is a useful tool for analyzing the surgical outcome of a BSSO and has the potential to provide substantial data on the position of the proximal segments as a result of the lingual fracture line.

The results on 32 consecutive patients, who underwent bone grafting prior to implant surgery, are presented. The grafts were taken from the horizontal part of the mandible, including the full height of the buccal cortico-cancellous plate and were used to reconstruct alveolar defects or to augment sinus floors. 3-5 months postoperatively, 99 implants were inserted in 43 onlay grafts and in 17 sinus floor augmentations. The follow-up ranged from 2-6 years post implant insertion. Parameters examined included: healing of donor site and bone grafts, implant survival, peri-implant condition, donor site morbidity and patient satisfaction. This study indicates that with one full height ramus graft, alveolar defects comprising a bicuspid-molar area, can be augmented. The grafted volume is also sufficient to augment one sinus floor. The implant survival rate (99%) compares well with studies using iliac crest or skull bone. Postoperative complaints were minimal, resulting in extremely high patient satisfaction (97%).