Bimaxillary Osteotomy
Pronunciation: by-mak-SIL-er-ee os-tee-OT-oh-mee
A combined orthognathic surgical procedure that repositions both the maxilla and mandible simultaneously to correct significant skeletal discrepancies.
Full Definition
Bimaxillary osteotomy refers to the simultaneous surgical correction of both jaw bones — the maxilla and the mandible — in a single operative procedure. It is used when the severity of skeletal malocclusion or facial asymmetry cannot be adequately corrected by operating on one jaw alone. The procedure typically combines a Le Fort I osteotomy of the maxilla with a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible. Editors must hyphenate the term correctly ('bimaxillary') and distinguish it from single-jaw osteotomy procedures named in the same operative report.
Usage
Usage note: One word, no hyphen within 'bimaxillary'. Distinguish carefully in operative documents from single-jaw procedures that may be performed concurrently for different aims.
In Context
- "The treatment plan outlined a bimaxillary osteotomy to address the patient's skeletal Class III relationship and open bite." — Surgical Treatment Plan
- "Postoperative instructions following bimaxillary osteotomy included intermaxillary fixation for six weeks." — Postoperative Care Instructions