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Updated: May 10, 2026
A Postoperative Evaluation Guideline for Computer-Assisted Reconstruction of the Mandible
Published on: January 28, 2020
Evaluation of an innovative computer-assisted sagittal split ramus osteotomy to reduce neurosensory alterations
Hazem T Al-Ahmad1, Mohammed W M Saleh, Ala'uddin M Hussein
1Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jordan. halahmad@hotmail.com
Background:
Sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) can be associated with postoperative neurosensory disturbances. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of computer-assisted SSRO in reducing the incidence and severity of neurosensory alterations, using a surgical guide fabricated by computer-aided design and rapid prototyping (to guide bone cutting lateral to the inferior alveolar nerve).
Methods:
A prospective double-blind, randomized controlled, clinical trial of computer-assisted SSRO vs conventional SSRO (assigned in a split-mouth design) in eight patients, mean age 23 (range 18-30) years, who participated in one session preoperatively and three sessions at 1 week and 1, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. At each session, subjective oral sensation was scored and quantitative sensory tests were performed. Neurosensory changes were compared between the two sides.
Results:
The results showed that on the computer-assisted SSRO sides, patients had lower postoperative abnormal thresholds for the Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments on lower lip and chin (p < 0.05 at 3 months) and for the two-point discrimination on lower lip (p < 0.05 at 1 week) and chin (p < 0.05 at 6 months), with fewer abnormal self-reported changes in lower lip sensation (p < 0.05 at 1 week) after surgery.
Conclusions:
These findings imply that computer-assisted SSRO is associated with better levels of neurosensory function after surgery.