Effect of distraction osteogenesis on the severely hypoplastic mandible and inferior alveolar nerve function

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of distraction osteogenesis surgery on the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) and on the stability of the occlusion in patients undergoing mandibular osteotomy and advancement for correction of severe retrognathia.

Five patients (4 women and 1 man) underwent vertical posterior body osteotomy or bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy with the application of a distraction device for advancement of the mandible of 10 to 14 mm. After a period of latency, each mandible was advanced 1 mm per day until the patient achieved a Class I occlusion. Distraction devices were removed after a suitable period of consolidation (4 to 11 months). IAN sensory function was evaluated by 2-point discrimination, response to painful stimulus, and moving brush stroke identification. Testing of the IAN was performed on all patients at 7 different time intervals: preoperative (T0), postsurgery and predistraction (T1), within 7 days after the end of distraction (T2), 3 months after T2 (T3), 6 months after T2 (T4), 9 months after T2 (T5), and 1 year after T2 (T6). The same surgeon performed all IAN testing.

There were no instances of malunion or fibrous union. At the 1-year follow-up, all 5 patients showed no relapse of their advancement as assessed by their maintenance of a Class I occlusion. Radiographic analysis was not done to discern skeletal versus dental stability. All 10 IANs were intact after the initial surgery. As time progressed, all 10 nerves showed improvement of function as measured by 2-point discrimination, response to painful stimulus, and moving brush stroke identification. At 1 year postsurgery, all 10 nerves showed function consistent with or very near presurgery levels.

Stable mandibular advancements of 10 mm and greater can be successfully accomplished by distraction osteogenesis without producing significant damage to the IAN.