Changes in the transverse dimensions by vertical ramus osteotomy after mandibular prognathism correction

Area of Science:

• Orthognathic Surgery
• Craniofacial Surgery
• Maxillofacial Radiology

Background:

• Facial harmony requires balanced lateral profiles and frontal appearance.
• Mandibular prognathism affects facial aesthetics and function.
• Vertical Ramus Osteotomy (VRO) is a surgical technique for mandibular prognathism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in transverse facial dimensions following VRO for mandibular prognathism correction.
• To assess the impact of VRO on intercondylion and intergonial distances.
• To analyze alterations in the menton position and ramus angle post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cephalometric analysis of 20 patients.
• Comparison of preoperative, immediate postoperative, and post-orthodontic treatment radiographs.
• Measurement of menton, intercondylion, and intergonial distances, and ramus angle.

Main Results:

• Mean menton setback of 12.2 mm and upward movement of 0.3 mm.
• Significant increases in intercondylion (5.1 mm) and intergonial (7.1 mm) distances.
• Slight, non-significant decrease in ramus angles (1.7° right, 0.1° left).

Conclusions:

• VRO effectively increases transverse facial dimensions in patients with mandibular prognathism.
• The surgical correction contributes to improved frontal facial aesthetics.
• VRO is a viable option for enhancing facial harmony by widening the mandible.