[Functional genioplasty in growing patients].

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine
• Skeletal Biology

Background:

• Genioplasty is a surgical procedure to alter the chin.
• Understanding age-related bone regeneration is crucial for optimizing surgical outcomes.
• Symphysis remodeling patterns post-genioplasty require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of patient age on bone regeneration and symphysis remodeling following genioplasty.
• To compare remodeling patterns across different age groups undergoing genioplasty.
• To assess the long-term effects of genioplasty on mandibular bone structure.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 54 patients undergoing genioplasty was divided into three age groups (<15, 15-19, ≥20 years).
• A control group of 23 patients without genioplasty was included for comparison.
• Radiographic evaluations were performed preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and two years after surgery (T1, T2, T3).

Main Results:

• While mean genial advancement was similar across age groups, bone remodeling was most pronounced in the youngest group (<15 years).
• Symphysis thickness significantly increased in all groups over two years, with a greater increase observed in the youngest patients.
• Younger patients showed enhanced remodeling above and behind the chin, linked to dentoalveolar process growth, without adverse effects on mandibular growth.

Conclusions:

• Forward-upward genioplasty results in increased symphysis thickness, bone apposition superior to B point, and inferior border remodeling.
• Early surgical intervention (before age 15) is associated with superior bone remodeling outcomes after genioplasty.
• Age is a significant moderator of bone regeneration and remodeling patterns post-genioplasty.