Facial palsy after sagittal split osteotomies. A survey of 1747 sagittal split osteotomies.

Facial nerve palsy following a sagittal split osteotomy is a rare but serious complication. The incidence of facial nerve injury in a group of 1747 patients who had undergone a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (3494 sagittal splits) was determined and proved to be 0.26% (9 cases). The case histories of 2 patients are presented, and the etiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this complication are discussed.