title: Stability of unilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy for correction of facial asymmetry: long-term case series and literature review.
abstract: Bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy is considered a standard technique in mandibular orthognathic surgeries to reduce unexpected bilateral stress in the temporomandibular joints. Unilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (USSO) was recently introduced to correct facial asymmetry caused by asymmetric mandibular prognathism and has shown favorable outcomes. If unilateral surgery could guarantee long-term postoperative stability as well as favorable results, operation time and the incidence of postoperative complications could be reduced compared to those in bilateral surgery. This report highlights three consecutive cases with long-term follow-up in which USSO was used to correct asymmetric mandibular prognathism. Long-term postoperative changes in the condylar contour and ramus and condylar head length were analyzed using routine radiography and computed tomography. In addition, prior USSO studies were reviewed to outline clear criteria for applying this technique. In conclusion, patients showing functional-type asymmetry with predicted unilateral mandibular movement of less than 7 mm can be considered suitable candidates for USSO-based correction of asymmetric mandibular prognathism with or without maxillary arch surgeries.
authors.affiliation: Ilsan Ye Dental Clinic, Goyang, Korea. ; Graduate School of Clinical Dentistry, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea.
authors.forename: Seong-Geun
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Medicine and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea.
authors.forename: Young-Hoon
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Medicine and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea.
authors.forename: June-Ho
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Byun
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Korea.
authors.forename: Uk-Kyu
authors.initials: UK
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Jaw and Face Surgery Center, On General Hospital, Busan, Korea.
authors.forename: Jong-Ryoul
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Medicine and Institute of Health Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea.
authors.forename: Bong-Wook
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Park
keywords: Functional facial asymmetry; Laterognathism; Temporomandibular joint; Unilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy