Evaluation of the Mandibular Condyle Morphologic Relation before and after Orthognathic Surgery in Class II and III Malocclusion Patients Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

SIMPLE SUMMARY: In individuals with severe malocclusions, orthognathic surgery seeks to rebalance the relationships between the jaws by providing a stable occlusion, a healthy muscle balance, and the functioning of the temporomandibular joint. Cone beam computed tomography may be used to determine the position of the mandibular condyle in the glenoid fossa. This study aimed to assess how the position of the mandibular condyle varies in class II and III malocclusions before and after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. Before and after orthognathic surgery, 56 TMJs from 28 patients were studied. Following surgery, both class II and class III patients experienced changes in the anterior joint space, posterior joint space, condyle position, and condyle angle. The preliminary findings are promising for determining changes in condyle position and joint spaces that might guide oral and maxillofacial surgeons to address a debilitating clinical affliction. ABSTRACT: This study aimed at evaluating the mandibular condyle position changes before and after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery in class II and III malocclusion patients. CBCT scans from patients who underwent bimaxillary orthognathic surgery were analyzed: Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). Both condyles were independently assessed for their largest anterior and posterior joint spaces, smallest medial joint spaces, and condyle angles concerning the transverse line. In the sagittal plane, the minimum size of the anterior and posterior joint spaces was measured. In the coronal plane, the smallest medial joint space was measured. The position of the condyle within the glenoid fossa was determined before and after surgery. A total of 56 TMJs from 28 patients were studied. Following orthognathic surgery, the anterior and posterior space in class II increased. Postoperatively, the anterior joint space in class III decreased. In 42.85% of malocclusion class II patients and 57.14% of malocclusion class III patients, the pre-and post-surgical position of the condyle changed, the condyle was anteriorly positioned (42.85%) in class II patients and centrically positioned (71.4%) in class III patients. Significant changes in the joint space, condylar position, and condyle angle were found in the class II and class III subjects.