Further refinement and evaluation of intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy.

Eighty-nine patients were treated with a modified procedure for intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy. Complications were virtually eliminated except for damage to the inferior alveolar nerve. Acute nerve damage occurred in about 36% of operated sides. Seventy-four percent of these damaged nerves recovered fully by one year. Only 8% of operated sides had persistent diminished sensation, usually mild, of the lower lip and chin. It is concluded that this technique should be seriously considered for mandibular ramus osteotomies when the mandible is going to be retruded or minimally moved in any other direction.