Surgical growth modulation for mandibular retrognathism: A case report

Abstract

A case of 18-year-old female presented with retrognathic mandible having skeletal class II malocclusion, exhibiting convex profile, deep mentolabial sulcus, class II molar, and canine relation bilaterally with proclined maxillary incisors, increased overjet and 100% deep bite. The case had a severe ABO discrepancy index. The leveling and alignment of dental arches were achieved by sequential archwire placement using 0.022” MBT PEA. After leveling and alignment stage, the case was assessed for surgical growth modulation using intra-oral distractors. After necessary planning the case was operated for bilateral sagittal split osteotomy and placement of intra-oral distractors. A standardized protocol was followed for the activation of distractors. Two weeks post distraction the case was reassessed for skeletal changes achieved, followed by settling of occlusion and removal of intra-oral distractors. Skeletal class I bases with improvement in vertical proportions was observed on completion of treatment. This case report suggests that in a patient with mandibular retrognathism and nearly exhausted growth potential, orthodontic treatment in conjunction with meticulously planned and executed mandibular distraction osteogenesis may be effective in achieving aesthetic enhancement and improved stomatognathic function.