Observation of Osseous Healing After Intraoral Vertical Ramus Osteotomy: Focus on Computed Tomography Values

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to observe long-term osseous healing of the cleavage space between bone fragments after intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy using computed tomographic (CT) values. Patients and Methods: CT examinations were performed to observe long-term osseous healing immediately after intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy and at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Bone fragments were observed on the interior and lateral sides. CT values between bone fragments were used to measure the range of each point within a 1.7- x 1.7-mm square, and the mean of the measurements was calculated. Results: CT values between bone fragments increased significantly over time at 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. Conclusions: Osseous healing in the cleavage between bone fragments after intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy was successful according to CT values. (C) 2013 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons