ABSTRACT
In this study we investigated the changes in the sensitivity of cutaneous points and the oral mucosa that occur after intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO). Additionally, postoperative changes in the sensitivity and the relationships between neurosensory disturbance and factors associated with IVRO operations were evaluated. An objective evaluation of the neurosensory status of cutaneous points and the oral mucosa of each patient was completed preoperatively and at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. The other variables studied for each patient included sex, age, magnitude of mandibular setback, and the amount of haemorrhage that occurred during surgery. In addition, the relationships between neurosensory disturbance and factors connected with IVRO operations were evaluated. We found that at cutaneous points, contributing factors such as sex, age, the magnitude of mandibular setback, and haemorrhage were associated with an increased risk of neurosensory disturbance after IVRO. However, these factors were not associated with that in the oral mucosa. In conclusion, we demonstrated the changes that occur in the sensitivity of cutaneous points and the oral mucosa after IVRO, the postoperative changes in sensitivity, and the relationships between neurosensory disturbance and factors connected with IVRO operations.