Surgical correction of mandibular prognathism with a functionally stable osteosynthesis of the mandibular body

Several methods have been described for the surgical correction of mandibular prognathism. Current techniques favour surgical correction at the site of the anomaly itself and in the case of skeletal mandibular prognathism it is the mandibular body that must be cut and shortened. The authors describe two methods of oblique ostectomy and of sagittal splitting with ostectomy of the mandibular body, by which a planned and measured reduction of the size of the mandible can be achieved. The techniques provide a functionally stable osteosynthesis, the optimum conditions for post-operative bone healing and so reduce the period of intermaxillary immobilisation. The special problems of articular derangements of the temporo-mandibular joint due to a stable osteosynthesis can be avoided by the combined use of zygomatico-mandibular positioners and occlusal splints.