title: Retrognathism.
abstract: Retrognathia is a common deformity that generally requires both orthodontics and surgery for correction. The surgical correction of the problem is best completed in the majority of cases with the sagittal splitting osteotomy. While the surgery is generally successful, relapse is a formidable problem. Instrument registration methods for properly positioning the condyles are being developed, but at this time are not totally successful. Lag screw fixation of the segments is very stable and seems to limit relapse but requires a facial incision with a resulting scar. Future technology probably will allow for internal placement of lag screws. Until such techniques are available, the use of intermaxillary fixation followed by an elastics activated registration bite splint to facilitate healing is recommended.
authors.affiliation: University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco.
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Ousterhout
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vargervik
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008312:Malocclusion, Angle Class II / Q000601:surgery; D009971:Orthodontics, Corrective; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D063173:Retrognathia / Q000601:surgery*