Evaluation of alveolar nerve function after surgical lengthening of the mandible by a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy or distraction osteogenesis

This study compares the effects of bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) and distraction osteogenesis (DO) for lengthening the mandible regarding loss of function of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). In a retrospective cohort study design, the function of the IAN was tested with a Weinstein monofilament 3.22, 1 year after the surgical procedure in 65 patients (35 BSSO; 30 DO). This was defined as the upper limit for normal function. Of 130 IAN studied (70 BSSO, 54%; 60 DO, 46%), nerve function was disturbed in 23 (18%). In this group, 14 cases (61%) had undergone BSSO and 9 (39%) DO. One-hundred and seven nerves had no neurosensory IAN changes; of these BSSO had been performed in 56 cases (52%) and DO in 51 cases (48%). After eliminating confounding factors, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of neurosensory changes between the treatment options (DO versus BSSO, odds ratio: 1.254 with 95% CI: 0.366–4.300). In conclusion, there was no difference in IAN function between patients treated with BSSO or DO for lengthening the mandible.