A Study on the Prediction of Hard and Soft Tissue Changes after Setback Genioplasty

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this setback genioplasty study is to develop a prediction method for the calculated osteotomy angle using horizontal and vertical changes as well as to evaluate the proportion of hard and soft tissue changes.METHODS: Twelve patients who had received setback genioplasty with other maxillofacial surgery were examined. Three lateral cephalograms were taken just before surgery, immediately after surgery, and 3 months later surgery. A reference line was established to the reference point of the inner most point of the lingual symphysis cortex, incisor tip, and 2nd molar cusp tip. Measuring was conducted from pogonion (Pg), menton (Me), labrale inferius (Li), Mentolabial fold, soft tissue pogonion (Pg'), and soft tissue menton (Me') to the reference lines.RESULTS: In setback genioplasty, the skeletal Pg moved posteriorly 5.07 mm. The ratios of soft tissue to hard tissue movement were 36% posteriorly and 62% inferiorly at Pg', 67% posteriorly and 104% inferiorly at Me', and 34% anteriorly and 164% posteriorly at Li. In reduction & setback genioplasty, skeletal Pg moved posteriorly 4.63 mm and skeletal Me moved superiorly 3.63 mm. The ratios of soft tissue to hard tissue movement were 76% posteriorly and 18% superiorly at Pg', 68% posteriorly and 42% superiorly at Me', and 44% anteriorly, 124% posteriorly at Li. The calculated mean slope angle, based on DeltaH/DeltaV ratio, was 61.25 and the measured mean slope angle was 60.17. Thus, the calculated and measured slope angles have a similarity.CONCLUSION: In setback genioplasty, soft tissue moves posteriorly and inferiorly. In particular, at the Me' and Pg', the inferior movement of the soft tissue is greater than the posterior movement. Also, the predictable results (measured slope angle) after operation can be achieved by the calculated slope angle. Thus, the relationship of soft and hard tissue changes must be considered as the results are predictable.