[Retrospective view of the development of malocclusion surgery and prospects]

The history of the correction of the jaw deformities began in the US more than 100 years ago with a bilateral osteotomy in a case of mandibular prognathism performed by Vilray Blair. This operation was the starting point for Blair's interest in jaw surgery. In 1907 he already described three different operative techniques for the correction of malpositions of the lower jaw. Between the First and the Second World War no major progress in corrective jaw surgery occurred, until in the fifties of the 20th century a rapid development started off. Mainly in Germany and in Austria new operative techniques not only for the mandible, but also for maxilla and midface were established. Finally, this development reached its height in the simultaneous total osteotomy of upper and lower jaw that was published by Obwegeser in 1970.

Innovations first of all in regard to technical improvements especially in four fields could be realized within the past 20 years. For planning of a procedure mostly computer-assisted systems combined with video- or laser technique were utilized. The improvement of resorbable materials such as plates and screws can be considered as a major progress. With regard to new operative techniques not only first results with navigation systems but also the introduction of endoscopic osteotomies were reported. Distraction osteogenesis was successfully performed on developmental deformities of the mandible, the maxilla, and the midface, while technical devices are being improved continuously. As in all fields mentioned above development is not yet completed further improvements can be expected.