The surgical technique of vertical subcondylar osteotomy for correction of mandibular prognathism: A 10-year survey

Abstract

In the period 1975-1985 extraoral vertical, subcondylar osteotomies of the mandibular ramus (EVSO) were performed in 203 patients with mandibular prognathism at Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen. Refinements of this surgical technique are described. Clinical and surgical observations were analyzed as to preoperative orthodontic treatment, operation time, pre-/post-operative complications, and hospital stay. The findings confirm that the EVSO procedure is a safe technique, with minimal discomfort and morbidity for the patients. Even though intraoral procedures are the trend for surgical correction of mandibular prognathism at present, there are substantial indications for the use of EVSO.