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Review
. 2024 Sep 1;16(9):e68420.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.68420. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Honoring Professor Hugo Lorenz Obwegeser: A Visionary in Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthodontics

João Mendes Abreu  1   2   3 , Bárbara R Sousa  4 , João Oliveira  4 , Érica Cerqueira  4 , Pedro Cabeça Santos  5   6 , Nuno S Gil  6
Affiliations
Review

Honoring Professor Hugo Lorenz Obwegeser: A Visionary in Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthodontics

João Mendes Abreu et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Hugo Lorenz Obwegeser was a pioneering Austrian surgeon whose contributions profoundly transformed the field of maxillofacial surgery. His groundbreaking work marked a pivotal turning point, enabling more sophisticated and effective corrections of facial deformities. Obwegeser revolutionized his area of expertise by introducing innovative osteotomies of the mandible and maxilla, which became foundational techniques for addressing facial asymmetries. In addition to his surgical advancements, Obwegeser was a key figure in establishing the European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery, helping to define the modern scope of the specialty. His legacy in maxillofacial surgery is distinguished by his unwavering commitment to innovation, mentorship, and the continuous advancement of surgical practices. This article aims to honor the extraordinary achievements of Hugo Lorenz Obwegeser and his lasting impact on the field of maxillofacial surgery.

Keywords: biographies; historical vignette; historical vignettes; malocclusion; medical innovation; medical stories; orthodontics; orthognathic surgery.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Professor Hugo Lorenz Obwegeser (1987)
Part of the personal archive of Professor Joachim Obwegeser; used with permission
Figure 2
Figure 2. Sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible (intraoperative view)
Part of the personal archive of the authors
Figure 3
Figure 3. Genioplasty (radiographic view)
A) Pre-operative radiographic study and B) post-operative radiographic study Part of the personal archive of the authors
Figure 4
Figure 4. Le Fort type I osteotomy of the maxilla (intraoperative view)
Part of the personal archive of the authors
Figure 5
Figure 5. Bimaxillary orthodontic and orthognathic treatment
A) Pre-treatment extraoral lateral view, B) pre-treatment intraoral lateral view, C) post-treatment extraoral lateral view, and D) post-treatment intraoral lateral view Part of the personal archive of Dr. João Pato; used with permission
Figure 6
Figure 6. Professor Hugo Lorenz Obwegeser (2015)
Part of the personal archive of Professor Joachim Obwegeser; used with permission
Figure 7
Figure 7. Three-dimensional planning of a bimaxillary orthognathic surgery
Part of the personal archive of the authors
Figure 8
Figure 8. Three-dimensional planning and virtual fabrication of surgical guides and custom osteosynthesis plates
A) Right maxillary surgical guide, B) left maxillary surgical guide, C) fixation screws orientation, and D) custom osteosynthesis plates Part of the personal archive of the authors
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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