Stability and Relapse of Facial Asymmetry following Orthognathic Surgery in Patients with Asymmetric Prognathism

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the amount of correction and relapse after orthognathic surgery in patients with facial asymmetry and prognathism by means of the frontal cephalogram. Out of twenty prognathism patients who had been diagnosed as having skeletal facial asymmetry in need of orthognathic operation at our institute during last 6 years, only thirteen patients with pre-existing pre-operative(T0), immediate postoperative (T1) and long term follow up(T2) frontal cephalograms were included in the study. The population was divided according to the kind of surgical operation and severity of asymmetry. The midline sagittal reference line (MSR) was drawn and four basic landmarks were marked on the frontal T0, T1 and T2 cephalograms. Radiographic facial asymmetry was found most obviously in the lower jaw(Deviation from MSR 2.21mm at ANS, 8.34mm at menton). Facial asymmetry was corrected to minimal degree(1.34 at menton) with orthognathic procedures. On long-term follow up, the correction of deviation was maintained as 1.98mm. The relapse rate was 24.1% at menton. The contributing factor was searched and the amount of asymmetry correction and the amount of prognathism correction proved to have statistical significance (p<0.05). In conclusion, asymmetry could be corrected with orthognathic procedures, which could be maintained with minimal degree of relapse. However, in preoperative planning, the degree of relapse should be considered to maximize the aesthetic outcome.