Comparison of the piezoelectric cutter with a conventional cutting technique in orthognathic surgery

The use of a piezoelectric cutter has been reported to improve outcomes in orthognathic surgery, particularly with regards to neurosensory disturbance of the inferior alveolar nerve. The aims of this retrospective longitudinal cohort study were to compare outcomes regarding neurosensory disturbance, and operating time. During two 15-month periods a single surgeon treated 24 consecutive patients with a conventional cutting technique and a further 24 consecutive patients with a piezoelectric cutter. In both groups the duration of operation was noted, and neurosensory disturbance graded at 12-month follow up. Neurosensory recovery was better in the piezoelectric group than in the conventional group (p=0.01), and the duration of operation nearly identical. We conclude that the piezoelectric cutter offers advantages with regards to neurosensory deficit over a more conventional technique without the previously-reported disadvantage of a longer operating time.