Avancement mandibulaire par greffon cartilagineux rétrocondylien

Abstract

Most of dentofacial abnomalies are due to mandibular retrognathisms. These abnomalies are surgically treated mostly by mandibular lenghtening with the help of the sagittal split osteotomy although other procedures could be used. Mandibular distraction and advancement of the receding lower jaw by retrocondylar cartilagenous graft are the two main alternatives. The retrocondylar cartilagenous graft has been introduced by Leon Dufourmentel in 1929. This procedure has strong anatomical and physiological basis and has to be better known because it is effective and respects the temporo-mandibular joint. The permanent advancement of the mandible is assured by a retrocondylar graft placed in the pretympanal and extra-articular space located between tympanal bone and retrocondylar venous plexus. All the mandibule retrognathisms should be treated through this approach, especially with associated obstruction sleep apnea syndrome.