Is there any difference in the condylar position and angulation after asymmetric mandibular setback?

Abstract

Objective This study was performed to compare the condylar position and angulation on 3-dimensional (3D) views between greater setback side (GSS) and lesser setback side (LSS) after asymmetric mandibular setback (AMS) using computed tomography.

Study design The sample consisted of 12 Korean skeletal class III malocclusion patients with mandibular prognathism and facial asymmetry, who underwent sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) with rigid fixation. Tomographs were taken 1 month before (T1) and 6 months after surgery (T2). Position and angulation of the condyles were measured.

Results At T1 stage, the condylar head in GSS showed more forward inclination on the sagittal view (P < .05) than that of LSS. Although there were significant inward and backward rotations of the condylar head in GSS (P < .01) and significant backward rotation in LSS at T2 stage (P < .05), 3D positions of the condyle in GSS and LSS were not changed after AMS.

Conclusion SSRO might be effective to stabilize the condylar position for AMS.