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Risk factors for a bad split during sagittal split osteotomy
Marcus Stephan Kriwalsky1, Peter Maurer1, Rafael Block Veras1
1Department of Oral and Plastic Maxillofacial Surgery, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Head: Prof. Dr. Dr. Johannes Schubert, Ernst-Grube-Strasse 40, D-06097 Halle, Germany.
The British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
|December 8, 2007
Summary
This study investigated complications in sagittal split osteotomy (SSO). Older patients showed a higher risk of bad splits, while third molar presence and surgeon experience had no significant impact.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthognathic Surgery
Background:
- Sagittal split osteotomy (SSO) is a common orthognathic surgery procedure.
- A significant complication is the 'bad split,' an unintended mandibular fracture during osteotomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if bad splits during SSO correlate with third molar status, patient age, or surgeon experience.
- To analyze risk factors associated with sagittal split osteotomy complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical notes from 110 patients undergoing 220 SSOs using the Obwegeser/Dal Pont technique.
- Patients were categorized based on third molar presence: missing, retained/removed, or left in place.
- Incidence of bad splits was compared across groups and correlated with patient age and surgeon experience.
Main Results:
- A total of 12 bad splits (6%) occurred across all patients.
- No significant difference in bad split incidence was found based on third molar status (Group 1: 5%, Group 2: 9%, Group 3: 3%).
- Surgeon's qualification did not influence the rate of bad splits; however, older patients appeared to be at higher risk.
Conclusions:
- Third molar presence and surgeon experience do not significantly affect the occurrence of bad splits during SSO.
- Patient age is a potential risk factor for developing bad splits in sagittal split osteotomy.
- Further research may be needed to fully elucidate risk factors for SSO complications.
