Evaluation of Neurosensory Disturbance After Using Separators Vs Chisels in Bilateral Sagittal Split Mandibular Osteotomy. RCT

The bilateral sagittal split Ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) was introduced by Trauner and Obwegeser. Since then, many modifications of this procedure have been reported, leading to a less difficult and more predictable procedure for correcting mandibular anomalies. persistent post-operative neurosensory disturbances of the inferior alveolar nerve are still one of the major complications of this operation. The incidence has decreased over the years due to improved techniques and the use of different instruments. However, most recent series still report postoperative persistent hypesthesia of the inferior alveolar nerve in more than 10% of the patients up to 48%.

There are no reports on the influence of other surgical variables on the persisting post-operative hypesthesia. Several methods have been reported for evaluating neurosensory disturbances of the inferior alveolar nerve. One of the simplest methods reported is tactile evaluation based on subjective sensation reported by the patients. Many authors have used this method in their evaluation of post-operative hypesthesia.