Short osteotomy use in orthognathic surgery:benefit, disadvantage and perspective

Abstract

The short osteotomy was first reported by Blair in 1907 and was later described and characterized by Kater and Paulus in 2013. The technique involves an oblique supra-lingular osteotomy from internal to external, from top to bottom and from back to front. It is designed to divide the ramus into two segments, the joint and the mandibular body, and to ensure minimal valve equivalents. Both osseous valves were maintained in contact by obtaining surface contact proportional to the angle of the osteotomy. We present a series of 82patients to demonstrate the benefits of this technique in terms of stability and conservation of sensitivity. 82patients were included, of which 74 (90%) described normal sensitivity and 8 (10%) reported modified sensitivity two years post-surgery. On account of the nature and height of the short osteotomy cut, it is possible to avoid direct manipulation of the lower alveolar nerve. The postoperative sensitivity level is identical to the pre-operative level in more than 90% of cases. In good indications, this technique could be used preferentially to optimize postoperative nerve recovery. We also discuss the current limitations of this orthognathic surgery procedure, as well as the perspectives linked to the development of 3D printing and preoperative planning.