Correction of square jaw with low angles using mandibular "V-line" ostectomy combined with outer cortex ostectomy

Objective. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of correction for square jaw with low angle using mandibular "V-line" ostectomy combined with outer cortex ostectomy. Study design. From July 2005 to November 2007, 31 patients who had square faces with low angles were treated with mandibular "V-line" ostectomy combined with mandibular outer cortex ostectomy. All the patients had standard frontal and lateral cephalometric radiographs, panoramic radiographs, and were photographed preoperatively and postoperatively to assess their face contour. The alteration of mandibular angle and width of lower face was observed for 6 to 24 months postoperatively. Results. Postoperative appearance of all 31 cases showed that the width of lower face was reduced expectedly; the gonial angle and the mandibular plane angle were increased effectively. The final aesthetic outcomes were quite satisfactory in all cases for both the surgeons and the patients. Conclusion. A slender oval facial outline as the fashionable aesthetics could be achieved by using mandibular "V-line" ostectomy combined with mandibular outer cortex ostectomy. It might be a feasible and a reasonable surgical procedure for correction of square jaw with low angle. ( Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2010; 109: 197-202)