Cephalometric measurements of mandibular shape after mandibular angle osteotomy

Abstract

Objective Cephalometry has been used to measure the changes of mandibular shape before and after the surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of mandibular angle osteotomy. Methods A lot of 42 cases with complete data were selected, cephalometric analysis were performed before operation and one week and 6 months after surgery, respectively. Furthermore, the data of six months postoperatively were compared to those of the beauty people reported in the literature. Results At one week after surgery, the average distance between the gonions decreased (17.70±8.46) mm, the average length of the mandibular ramus reduced (5.84±3.26) mm, the average mandibular body length increased (4.61±2.74) mm, the average gonial angle increased (14.78±6.65)°, and the average mandibular plane angle increased (10.29±3.82)° (P<0.05). At six months postoperatively, the first three linear measurements increased (3.68±2.91) mm, (1.66±2.51) mm and (2.10±2.37) mm, respectively; however, the last two angular measurements reduced (2.86±3.02)° and (1.77±2.62)° respectively. The data of six months postoperatively were compared to those of the beauty people reported in the literature, and there were statistically differences between the linear measurements, but no statistically differences between the angular measurements. Conclusions Reduction mandibuloplasty can modificate mandibular contouring three-dimensionally. Despite bone regeneration results in linear or angular measurements change, postoperative angular shape is predominantly maintained, and so the patients can reach the level of beauty papulation. Key words: Mandibular angle osteotomy; Cephalometric analysis; Prominent mandibular angle