[An evaluation of the postoperative stability of the dental arches following interventions for segmental osteotomy]

The study evaluates the long-term postsurgical stability of segmentary osteotomy and compares it to the orthodontic expansion of the jaw which is well known for its tendency to relapse following contraction. The study of the postsurgical changes of the transversal and longitudinal diameters of the dental arches and of the area covered was carried out in a group of 15 patients using rigorously standardised methods. Heterogeneous variations were observed and although there was a prevalent tendency towards contractions these were small in size and of minor clinical importance. Even if only major postsurgical changes were taken into account, usually following considerable expansion of the jaw, especially if associated with the jaw's advance, it is clear that there is a greater clinical stability in comparison to orthodontic expansions. This confirms the therapeutic value of segmentary osteotomy.