Long-term Skeletal Stability of Mandibular Surgery with Bilateral Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomy—Advancement Versus Setback: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the long-term skeletal stability of mandibular advancement and mandibular setback achieved with bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) procedure in adult patients with a minimum follow-up of at least 1 year. Methods A literature search was systematically performed according to PRISMA guidelines from four databases without limitation till 15 June 2021. Available literature was assessed for long-term skeletal stability as horizontal/vertical changes at cephalometric point B following conventional mandibular surgery (BSSRO) with rigid internal fixation. The quality of selected articles was assessed using Newcastle–Ottawa scale and the meta-analysis was carried out with Q statistic method, I-squared statistics, and fixed-effect model to estimate the pooled mean and Begg–Mazumdar bias indicator. Results A total of five studies (three pertaining to mandibular advancement and two setback groups) were included for comparative evaluation of relapse. The mean horizontal relapse was 7.85% pertaining to mandibular advancement (4.2–7.06 mm) as compared to 27% pertaining to mandibular setback (7.18–10.26 mm). The meta-analysis of four included studies (two in each group) revealed significant differences in long-term skeletal stability of mandibular advancement and setback (pooled proportion = 20.10; 95% confidence interval = 2.48–39.57). Conclusion Mandibular setback can be expected to relapse by 21.7–32.3% (mean 27%) as compared to mandibular advancement accounting for a relapse of 2.1–15.4% (mean 7.85%) in adult patients. Hence, mandibular advancement is a relatively stable procedure in the long term. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021261466