Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy
Also written as: BSSO — Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy
A surgical procedure that splits the mandibular ramus sagittally on both sides to allow repositioning of the tooth-bearing mandibular segment.
Full Definition
The bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO), also referred to as the Obwegeser–Dal Pont osteotomy, is the most commonly performed orthognathic procedure on the mandible. It involves a series of cuts along the medial ramus, lateral body, and connecting sagittal split to separate the proximal (condyle-bearing) and distal (tooth-bearing) segments bilaterally, allowing the mandible to be advanced, set back, rotated, or vertically adjusted. Rigid fixation is achieved with titanium plates and screws. In clinical documents, editors must verify that 'BSSO' is expanded on first use and distinguish it from 'unilateral sagittal split osteotomy,' used for asymmetry correction. Variant spellings such as 'bilatera sagittal' or 'sagital' are frequent transcription errors.
Usage
Usage note: Expand 'BSSO' on first use. Note the correct spelling of 'sagittal' (double t). Distinguish from vertical ramus osteotomy, which is an alternative mandibular setback technique.
In Context
- "The patient underwent a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) with 6 mm mandibular advancement, secured with titanium bicortical screws." — Operative report
- "When proofreading orthognathic surgery case series, editors should flag 'sagital' as a misspelling of 'sagittal.'" — Journal manuscript proofread