Influence of bilateral sagittal split ramous osteotomy for the treatment of skeletal III malocclusion on mandiblar ramous and temporomandibular joint

Objective To study the influence of BSSRO on mandible ramous and temporomandibular joint. Methods The radiographs of posterior anterior skull position and standard Schuller's position were taken to examine the position changes of mandible ramous and temporomandibular joint in 16 cases with skeletal class III malocclusion before and after operation. Results The distances of bilateral mandible ramous decreased 6-12 months after BSSRO, but the changes were not significant. At the same time, the condylar positions changed one month after operation but returned to the original position 6 -12months after operation. The clinical symptoms of temporomandibular joint relieved in most cases. Conclusion The changes of the distances of bilateral mandible ramous and condylar positions before and after BSSRO for skeletal III cases are not significant.