Inferior Alveolar Nerve Damage Related to Mandibular Advancement by Sagittal Split Osteotomy

Split sagittal osteotomy is a common operation that may induce inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) damage, potentially leading to sensory deficit, numbness, and pain. Investigations in Iran to evaluate the adverse effects of sagittal split osteotomy surgery are rare; so questions have been raised about the success rate of operation and the frequency of unwilling outcome. To address these concerns, we have conducted a prospective study evaluating the rate of IAN damage related to mandibular advancement by sagittal split osteotomy in Iranian population. In this prospective study, 66 patients including30 men (45.4%) and 36 women (54.5%) with Class II malocclusion and mandibular retrognathism who were undergoing mandibular advancement surgery (SSO) were recruited from 2013 to 2015. All patients were followed for 1 year after the surgery. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact was used test to compare categorical variables and the numerical variables were compared by t-test. P < 0.05 was considered significance level. The study sample included, with the mean age 32.3±12.04. The rate of nerve disturbance was 75.8%. Yet, 78.9% of patients were satisfied with the results of the surgery. Our study indicated that IAN disturbance after split sagittal surgery is frequent in Iran. The situation indicates the need for caution on considering split sagittal surgery as a safe medical technique.