Intraoperative ultrasonography for the reposition of the condylar process during bilateral sagittal osteotomy of the mandible-A case report.

INTRODUCTION

Ultrasonography (USG), being a safe, quick and relatively cheap examination, is used to diagnose various pathologic conditions. The application of ultrasound to assess the position of the condyle during bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) may improve the treatment results.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 33-year-old patient, who was operated for a skeletal defect of maxilla and mandible with BSSO and Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy is discussed in this case report. The procedure was complicated with a mandibular head dislocation. The split segment was repositioned under ultrasound guidance, and a repeat osteosynthesis was performed.

CONCLUSIONS

The ultrasound method is useful for the intraoperative assessment of the condylar process' position. The use of ultrasound in the diagnosis of complications and for intraoperative monitoring should be promoted.