Piezo-osteotomy in orthognathic surgery: A comparative clinical study.

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Surgical Technology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Piezosurgery, utilizing an ultrasonic scalpel, has emerged as a competitive alternative to conventional instruments in orthognathic procedures.
• It aims to mitigate operative and postoperative complications associated with traditional surgical methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively compare intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of piezoelectric devices versus traditional bur techniques in orthognathic surgery.
• Evaluation focused on bleeding time, operative duration, swelling, and neurological impairment.

Main Methods:

• A split-mouth technique was employed on ten patients undergoing orthognathic surgery.
• Osteotomy cuts were performed using a piezo-osteotome on one side and a conventional osteotomy bur on the contralateral side.

Main Results:

• Piezo osteotomy exhibited a longer duration compared to bur osteotomy.
• Piezosurgery resulted in mild bleeding and greater postoperative swelling.
• Neurosensory function showed equal impairment initially but faster recovery on the piezo side by one month.

Conclusions:

• The piezoelectric device presents advantages over the conventional bur in orthognathic surgery.
• Piezosurgery can be considered a viable alternative for specific orthognathic procedures.