Biomechanical alterations in temporomandibular joint loading following sagittal split ramus osteotomy for mandibular deformity correction

This study investigated the effect of SSRO on TMJ biomechanics in mandibular deformity patients. Using 3D models with anterior incisal muscle forces and condyle-disc-fossa contact simulation, TMJ stress in 10 patients before and after SSRO was compared to that in 10 controls. Both pre- and postoperative condylar principal stresses (max/min) were significantly higher than those in controls (p<.05). Preoperative TMJ contact stress showed asymmetric distribution in patients with mandibular deviation, which was alleviated postoperatively. SSRO alleviates abnormal TMJ stress in mandibular deformities, and temporomandibular disorders correlate with TMJ stress distributions.