Late results after advancing the mandible by sagittal splitting of the rami.

38 patients have been followed up for at least 2 years, and in the mean 5 years after surgical correction of retrognathia. The technique used was the sagittal splitting of the rami (Obwegeser 1955, 1957) usually with the modification of the lateral cortical bone cut of Dal Pont (1959). 26 patients showed no changes compared with the early postoperative result. In 8 other cases, the horizontal overjet increased up to 3 mm without impairment of the aesthetic or functional result. Therefore the operation may be considered successful in 90% of cases. Four severe relapses were noted. They are at least partially caused by poor repositioning of the condyle-bearing segment during operation. Reduced function of different degrees was seen at the late check-up in 20% of the mental nerves. 45% of the patients have cracking in the temporomandibular joint. Causes and possible late consequences are discussed. To conclude, the sagittal splitting of the rami for the forward movement of the mandible as the standard method of our clinic seems justified.