Dysgnathia, orthognathic surgery and spinal posture.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the spine by video rasterstereography before and after orthognathic surgery. Twenty-nine patients (17 patients with a skeletal class III, 7 patients with a skeletal class II, and 5 patients with mandibular asymmetry) were evaluated preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. Video rasterstereography is a method of back surface measurement and shape analysis using the moire topography. Orthognathic surgery in cases of class III and asymmetry did not lead to significant changes in body posture. In class II patients it led to some changes in body posture, but without orthopaedic consequences. It is concluded that orthognathic surgery causes minimal or no change in body posture.