Inferior Alveolar Nerve Damage Related to Mandibular Advancement by Sagittal Split Osteotomy

Abstract

<span>Background and Objectives: Split sagittal osteotomy is a common operation that may induce inferior alveolar </span><span>nerve (IAN) damage, potentially leading to sensory deficit, numbness, and pain. Investigations in Iran to evaluate </span><span>the adverse effects of sagittal split osteotomy surgery are rare so questions have been raised about the success </span><span>rate of operation and the frequency of unwilling outcome. To address these concerns, we conducted a prospective </span><span>study evaluating the rate of IAN damage related to mandibular advancement by sagittal split osteotomy in </span><span>Iranian population.</span> Methods: In this prospective study, 66 patients including 30 men (45.4%) and 36 women (54.5%) with Class II malocclusion and mandibular retrognathism who were undergoing mandibular advancement surgery (SSO) were recruited during 2013-2015. All patients were followed for one year after surgery. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare the categorical variables, and the numerical variables were compared by ttest. P < 0.05 was considered as the significance level. Findings: The study sample had a mean age 32.3 ± 12.04. The rate of nerve disturbance was 75.8%. Yet, 78.9% of the patients were satisfied with the results of the surgery. Conclusions: Our study indicated that IAN disturbance after split sagittal surgery is frequent in Iran. This situation indicates the need for caution on considering split sagittal surgery as a safe medical technique.