Mandibular anatomy related to sagittal split ramus osteotomy in Koreans

Sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) is one of the surgical techniques used to correct mandibular deformities. In order to prevent many surgical anatomical problems, we observed the anatomical structures related to SSRO. In dry mandibles of Koreans, lingular tips were located somewhat posteriorly and superiorly on the mandibular ramus. On the coronal sections of mandible, the mean cortical width of facial cortex was increased toward the ramus region while the lingual cortex was thinnest in the ramus region. On the same sections, all the fusion points of the buccal and lingual cortical plate were located above the mandibular lingula and beneath the mandibular notch. So, performing the SSRO on Koreans, medial horizontal osteotomy should be done through the superior aspect of the mandibular lingula. The cut line is extended 5-8 mm posterior to the mandibular lingula to preserve sufficient cortical width to strengthen the involved osseous segments and reduce possible surgical complications.