Mandibular body ostectomy for correction of mandibular prognathism – A technical note

The patient presented with a large mandibular body and acceptable occlusion in the molar region with no lateral crossbite.After presurgical orthodontic treatment, mandibular body ostectomy was performed in the missing second premolar region. To avoid nerve injury, we considered removal of the lateral cortical plate around the mental foramen and temporary wire fixation of the detached bone segments during contralateral body ostectomy.Neurosensory supply of the mental region recovered within 3 months after surgery. Three years after surgery, the occlusion and periodontal health were good.

▸ Mandibular body ostectomy is effective method for a large mandibular body. ▸ Two key points must be considered to preserve the inferior alveolar nerve. ▸ The first point is protection of the nerve during ostectomy. ▸ The second key point is protection of the nerve following bone detachment. ▸ Mandibular body ostectomy has advantages in terms of respiratory care after surgery.