[Measurement of mandibular angle protrusion and semi-blind amputation of hypertrophied mandibular angle with the help of a pre-made mold].

Abstract

Objective: Mandibular hypertrophy is a subjective diagnosis to some extent. The authors tried to find a way for true objective diagnosis of mandibular hypertrophy.

Methods: Radiographic cephalometry was performed in 39 randomly selected adults. The degree of the mandibular angle was measured and summarized. According to measurement of the mandibular angle and the extent to be amputated, we designed and made various molds.

Results: With this pre-made mold, we amputated semi-blindly and exactly the desirable size and shape of the mandibular angle. This technique has been used in 6 patients for mandibular amputation and masseter thinning. In three patients shaving of the out layer of the hypertrophied mandible was also done.

Conclusion: The new technique using the pre-made operative mold shortens operating time, reduces surgical bleeding and tissue swelling, and can help to remove the bony block precisely.