[Köle's operation]

Kole's operation combines segmental alveolar osteotomy of lower incisor-canine region with a reduction mentoplasty. The procedure usually provides a reduction in height of mentum, sometimes with an advancement, and involves ablation of an intermediate bone fragment. Ablation of lower border as described by Kole too frequently results in an esthetically poor chin. Insertions of platysma and digastric muscles are untouched. The inferior segmental osteotomy separates the lower incisor-canine region, which is displaced upwards or upwards and backwards after extraction of premolars, displacement being maintained by interposition of bone detached during mentoplasty. A reduction glossectomy is almost constantly associated. The best indication for Kole's operation is anterior gaps with or without proalveoli. It is often combined with segmental or total surgery to maxilla. Results are generally stable, especially after mentoplasty, but from the dental aspect pulp mortifications are not rare.