Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
04:19
Minimally Invasive Treatment for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture Using Sagittal Alignment Screws and A Trauma Reduction Device
Published on: November 8, 2024
Risk factors affecting somatosensory function after sagittal split osteotomy
Torben H Thygesen1, Allan Bardow, Malene Helleberg
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. tthyg@as.aaa.dk
Summary
Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) outcomes depend on surgical technique and patient
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Sensory Neuroscience
Background:
- Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) is a common orthognathic surgery.
- Understanding factors influencing postoperative sensory changes is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify individual and intraoperative risk factors for BSSO.
- To correlate these factors with changes in somatosensory function post-surgery.
Main Methods:
- 31 men and 29 women underwent BSSO.
- Somatosensory function was assessed preoperatively and at multiple time points post-BSSO (2 days to 12 months).
- Quantitative sensory tests and subjective sensation scoring were employed.
Main Results:
- Complete inferior alveolar nerve exposure during BSSO correlated with altered lower lip sensation and tactile thresholds.
- Extended surgical movements negatively impacted jaw-opening function and 2-point discrimination.
- Preoperative somatosensory function levels predicted postoperative outcomes, with lower preoperative sensation leading to greater impairment.
Conclusions:
- Intraoperative surgical factors and preoperative sensory levels significantly influence BSSO outcomes.
- Risk stratification based on preoperative sensation may aid in managing patient expectations and surgical planning.
Related Concept Videos
01:33Somatosensation
The somatosensory system relays sensory information from the skin, mucous membranes, limbs, and joints. Somatosensation is more familiarly known as the sense of touch. A typical somatosensory pathway includes three types of long neurons: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary neurons have cell bodies located near the spinal cord in groups of neurons called dorsal root ganglia. The sensory neurons of ganglia innervate designated areas of skin called dermatomes.
01:29Overview of Somatic Sensory Pathways
Somatic sensory or somatosensory pathways refer to the neural pathways that carry information related to touch, pressure, pain, temperature, and proprioception from the skin, muscles, tendons, and joints to the brain. These pathways involve several stages of processing and integration of sensory information.
The somatosensory system is divided into three main pathways: the dorsal (or posterior) column-medial lemniscus, spinothalamic (or anterolateral), and spinocerebellar pathways.
The dorsal...
The somatosensory system is divided into three main pathways: the dorsal (or posterior) column-medial lemniscus, spinothalamic (or anterolateral), and spinocerebellar pathways.
The dorsal...