[Cephalometric analysis of Class III patients after surgery].

The University of Innsbruck, Department of Dentistry, analysed the cephalograms of 23 prognathic patients whose dysgnathia was corrected by an osteotomy of the mandible only. The obtained results were compared with an analysis of the respective models. Documentation was obtained prior to surgery, post-operatively and during follow-up examinations over a period of at least six years. Evaluation of the results focused on occlusion and the WITS-appraisal. Prior to surgery 21 patients presented with a macromandibulosis which in 50 percent of the cases was combined with a micro- or retromaxillosis. As a rule, there were also dento-alveolar compensations with retrusion of the lower front teeth and protrusion of the anterior maxillary teeth. Surgical results remained stable in 14 cases, three patients incurred a slight partial relapse while six patients had a significant relapse, though the original extend of the malocclusion with anterior crossbite reoccurred in two cases only. It was possible to prove the relationship between relapse and the existence of myofunctional disturbances. Consequently, safe long-term results may only be obtained by means of interdisciplinary planning and treatment.