Vascular considerations in orthognathic surgery. I. Mandibular osteotomies

Numerous studies have been conducted on the vasculature of the mandible and the effects of its surgical alteration. These illustrations have improved our knowledge considerably. However, much additional information regarding the effects of orthognathic surgery upon the vasculature of the mandible is essential before various mandibular surgical procedures can be casually and categorically stated to be biologically sound. In this article several germane issues regarding vascular considerations in mandibular orthognathic surgery are discussed: (1) What are the shortcomings of published studies addressing the effects of orthognathic surgery on the vascular supply to the mandible and/or the maxilla? (2) What are the potential sequelae of vascular compromise? (3) What is the vascular supply to the mandible? (4) What recommendations are there for minimizing vascular compromise in mandibular orthognathic surgery? In Part II of the study these issues will be discussed as they relate to maxillary orthognathic surgery.