Objectives: This study investigated the different effects of intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) and sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) on mandibular border movement.
Methods: The participants included 22 patients receiving IVRO and 22 patients receiving SSRO who were treated at Okayama University Hospital. Their mandibular border movement was evaluated in three dimensions with 6° of freedom using an optical recording system.
Results: A strong correlation between condylar and lower incisor movement was observed during maximum jaw protrusion and laterotrusion. Significant improvements in condylar and lower incisor movement were detected after orthognathic surgery during maximum jaw protrusion and laterotrusion in the IVRO group and during maximum jaw protrusion in the SSRO group.
Discussion: IVRO likely achieves greater improvement in jaw movement than SSRO. Therefore, the application of IVRO could be considered in the treatment of patients with jaw deformities featuring temporomandibular joint problems.
Keywords: Intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO); mandibular border movement; maximum jaw laterotrusion; maximum jaw protrusion; sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO).