[TMJ-function and -morphology after mandibular translocation-osteotomies with and without positioning plates]

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthognathic Surgery
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Research

Context:

• Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) is a common procedure in orthognathic surgery.
• Proximal segment positioning is crucial for successful BSSO outcomes.
• Positioning devices are often used to guide segment placement and reproduce preoperative condyle-fossa relationships.

Purpose:

• To prospectively compare the functional and morphological outcomes of TMJs in patients undergoing BSSO.
• To evaluate the efficacy of positioning devices in preventing malpositioning of proximal segments.
• To assess the impact of device use on TMJ morphology and function post-surgery.

Summary:

• A prospective study of 24 patients undergoing BSSO compared outcomes with and without positioning devices.
• Functional evaluation included clinical and electronic axiography; morphological assessment used MRI and X-ray.
• Postoperative findings revealed increased TMJ dysfunction and mobility disturbances in both groups, with no significant difference between device and no-device groups. Condyle dislocations were observed in both groups.

Impact:

• The study suggests that positioning devices do not offer significant benefits for functional or morphological TMJ outcomes following BSSO.
• Findings challenge the routine use of positioning devices in BSSO procedures.
• Further research may explore alternative methods for optimizing proximal segment positioning and TMJ stability.