On neurosensory disturbance after sagittal split osteotomy.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the incidence of the neurosensory disturbance (NSD) after sagittal split osteotomy and evaluate NSD in relation to patient age, gender, satisfaction, and effect of steroids.


METHODS
Questionnaires were mailed to all patients (31 women, 19 men) who underwent bilateral sagittal split osteotomy between 1995 and 1999, at least 1 year after the operation. Patients were queried about perceived NSD in the distribution of both inferior alveolar and lingual nerves, duration of these changes, and any influence of these changes on their quality of life.


RESULTS
Eighty-six percent of the mailed questionnaires were returned and analyzed (27 women, 16 men). Eight patients with 10 affected sides (11.6% of sides) reported long lasting NSD corresponding to the distribution of the inferior alveolar nerve. NSD was reported in 16.7% of the operated sides in women, while 3% of the operated sides in the men had such changes. Fifty percent of the operated sides in patients over 40 years of age were affected. Steroid treatment seemed to decrease NSD. Four patients (9%) were not satisfied, but only 1 attributed the dissatisfaction to sensory impairment.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of NSD after sagittal split osteotomy increases in patients over the age of 40. Steroid regimen might be beneficial in reducing NSD after sagittal split osteotomy, although further investigation is required. The discomfort of the nerve damage seems outweighed by the result of function and esthetics.
Al-Bishri
Awwad
A
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital MAS and Faculty of Dentistry, Malmö University, Sweden. albishri@hotmail.com
Rosenquist
Jan
J
Sunzel
Bo
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002680:Chin / Q000601:surgery; D020209:Cranial Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D019186:Mandibular Advancement / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D020886:Somatosensory Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D061221:Trigeminal Nerve Injuries