Sagittal Split Osteotomy
Pronunciation: SAJ-ih-tal split os-tee-OT-oh-mee
A surgical procedure to advance or set back the mandible by splitting the ramus along the sagittal plane, commonly abbreviated SSO.
Full Definition
The sagittal split osteotomy (SSO) — more formally, the bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) — is one of the most frequently performed orthognathic procedures, splitting the mandibular ramus to allow repositioning of the tooth-bearing segment. Editors working on surgical case reports must distinguish SSO from related procedures such as the vertical ramus osteotomy and genioplasty. The eponymous 'Obwegeser–Dal Pont' modification is the most cited variant and should retain its hyphen and specific capitalisation. In operative records, millimetric advancement or setback values should be verified for consistency with pre-operative planning data. 'Sagittal split' without 'osteotomy' is an acceptable shorthand in informal surgical notes but should be expanded in formal publications.
Usage
Usage note: When bilateral, 'bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO)' is the preferred full form. 'Sagittal split osteotomy' alone may imply unilateral surgery in some contexts — clarify in editing.
In Context
- "The surgical plan documented a 6 mm mandibular advancement via sagittal split osteotomy." — Pre-surgical planning report
- "Inferior alveolar nerve injury is a recognized risk of the sagittal split osteotomy and must be documented in the consent record." — Consent documentation