Maxillomandibular osteotomy (MMO) is a surgical procedure in jaw surgery used to correct severe jaw misalignments. The procedure involves surgical changes to the upper jaw (maxilla) and the lower jaw (mandible). It is usually performed on patients with severe functional problems (e.g. obstructive sleep apnea) or for whom orthodontic measures alone are insufficient to ensure correct alignment of the teeth and the jaw.
Indications:
The MMO is used for various forms of dysgnathia, such as pronounced overbite, underbite or lateral jaw misalignment. It can also be used in patients with obstructive sleep apnea, where the jaw displacement leads to an airway opening.
Procedure:
During MMO, osteotomies (bone cuts) are performed in the upper and lower jaw. After the jawbones have been severed, they are relocated to the desired position. This usually involves a forward shift, a rotation to the side, or a combination of these movements. The repositioned jaws are then fixed with plates and screws to ensure stable healing.
MMO can lead to a significant improvement in function, aesthetic appearance and quality of life. In patients with sleep apnea, it can also substantially improve respiratory function during sleep.
The successful performance of a maxillomandibular osteotomy requires extensive jaw surgical experience and expertise. Excellent and close collaboration with orthodontists is essential to optimize preoperative planning, postoperative aftercare, and rehabilitation.
