Complications of genioplasty done alone or in combination with sagittal split-ramus osteotomy

Abstract

Thirty-one patients who had genioplasty done alone or in combination with bilateral sagittal split-ramus osteotomy of the mandible (BSSRO) were examined within 12 to 68 months after surgery. Neurosensory tests revealed that 10% of the mental nerves in patients who had had isolated genioplasties showed altered sensation of the lower lip, compared to 28.5% of the nerves in patients who had genioplasties and bilateral sagittal split-ramus osteotomies. However, when questioned, 71% of the patients in the latter group indicated awareness of abnormal feeling in the lower lip. Fourteen teeth in isolated genioplasty cases gave an abnormal response to electric pulp testing. The incision lines healed satisfactorily in most patients. Of the intraosseous wires used for fixation, 5.38% were removed 3 to 10 months after surgery. A notch at the osteotomy site on the lower border of the mandible was noted radiographically in 72.5% of the sites. Chin ptosis was noted in one patient. The cosmetic results satisfied 93.6% of the patients.