Neurosensory disturbance after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy: A retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Dental Research

Background:

• Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) is a common surgical procedure.
• Neurosensory disturbance (NSD) is a potential complication affecting the inferior alveolar nerve.
• Understanding the incidence and recovery patterns of NSD is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the incidence and characteristics of neurosensory disturbance (NSD) following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO).
• To assess the recovery of inferior alveolar nerve function after BSSO.
• To determine the long-term outcomes of NSD in patients undergoing BSSO.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients who underwent BSSO between 2010 and 2013.
• Assessment of inferior alveolar nerve function using objective (cotton swab, pin prick) and subjective (questionnaire) methods.
• Evaluation of medical records for immediate post-operative NSD and long-term follow-up data (minimum 1 year).

Main Results:

• Out of 15 patients (30 sides), immediate post-operative NSD was reported in 73.3% (subjective) and 66.7% (objective) of operated sides.
• Persistent NSD was reported in 13.3% of sides subjectively and 6.7% objectively at long-term follow-up.
• Nerve function recovery was observed in 18 operated sides (60%) after a minimum of 1 year.

Conclusions:

• Neurosensory disturbance (NSD) is a frequent complication in the immediate post-operative period after BSSO.
• While common initially, inferior alveolar nerve function typically shows significant recovery in the long term.
• BSSO outcomes necessitate careful patient counseling regarding potential temporary NSD.