The sagittal curving osteotomy: A modified technique for advancement genioplasty

Summary Purpose The purpose of the present study was to develop a new type of osteotomy for advancement genioplasty to decrease the incidence of neurosensory disturbance of the chin. Patients and method Forty-six patients who suffered from a slight or moderate degree of microgenia received a sagittal curving osteotomy for advancement genioplasty. Patients were followed for 1–6 months to assess the neurosensory function of the chin region by evaluating light-touch perception. The control group, 57 patients, who suffered from the same degree of microgenia, received a horizontal sliding osteotomy. They were operated on by the same surgical group and were followed for 1–33 months. Results All of the test and control patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results of the surgery. In the test group, 47 sides (51.87%) of 92 total left and right sides of chins had a transient neurosensory deficiency but none had permanent neurosensory deficiency. In the control group, 98 sides (86.84%) of 114 total chin sides had a transient neurosensory deficiency and five sides (4.43%) of 114 total chin sides had permanent neurosensory deficiency. When applied to patients who suffer from a mild or moderate degree of microgenia and have normal bite function, the sagittal curving osteotomy is a simple, safe and effective technique for advancement genioplasty. This technique can distinctively decrease the incidence of neurosensory disturbance of the chin.