Do the changes in muscle mass, muscle direction, and rotations of the condyles that occur after sagittal split advancement osteotomies play a role in the aetiology of progressive condylar resorption?

G. J. Dicker*, J. A. Castelijns, D. B. Tuinzing, P. J. W. Stoelinga

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Changes in cross-sectional area (CSA), volume (indicating muscle strength), and direction of the masseter and medial pterygoid muscles after surgical mandibular advancement were measured, along with the rotation of the condyles after bilateral sagittal split osteotomies (BSSOs) to advance the mandible. Measurements were done on magnetic resonance images obtained before and 2 years after surgery. CSA and volume were measured in five short-face and seven long-face patients (five males, seven females). Muscle direction was calculated in eight short-face and eight long-face patients (eight males, eight females). Short-face patients underwent BSSO only; long-face patients underwent combined BSSO and Le Fort I osteotomies. The CSA and volume decreased significantly (mean 18%) in all patients after surgery. The postoperative muscle direction was significantly more vertical (9 degrees) in long-face patients. Rotations of the proximal segments (condyles) were minimal after 2 years. The results of this study showed that, after BSSO advancement surgery, changes in the masseter and medial pterygoid muscles are not likely to cause increased pressure on the condyles and nor are the minimal rotations of the condyles. It is concluded that neither increased muscle traction nor condylar rotations can be held responsible for progressive condylar resorption after advancement BSSO.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)627-631
JournalInternational Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Volume44
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2015

Keywords

  • Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy
  • Condylar position
  • Masseter muscle
  • Medial pterygoid muscle
  • Magnetic resonance imaging
  • Muscle direction
  • Muscle size
  • Progressive condylar resorption
  • Relapse
  • Surgical mandibular advancement

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