title: Significant details regarding treatment of prognathism using angled osteotomy of the mandibular rami.
abstract: A simplified technique for surgical correction of prognathism, consisting of an angled or L-shaped osteotomy in the mandibular ramus starting from the sigmoid notch and ending on the posterior border of the ascending ramus, has been performed on 365 patients. Modifications of the procedure allow for concomitant correction of mild and severe open-bite conditions. Morbidity was not significant; 12 patients experienced transient dysfunction of the facial nerve, which disappeared within an average of 60 days; in 10 patients, there was an accumulation of saliva in the preauricular area, which was relieved by 3 or 4 punctures. In some of the early open-bite cases, regression occurred, leading to modifications in the technique. There are many advantages to the procedure, including simplicity, low risk of infection, inconspicous scarring, no impairment of muscle strength, and low complication rate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Faculdade de Medicina de Itajubá, Mainas Gerais.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: de Castro
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mortari
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hildoberto Colares