Bone marrow space volume of the mandible influencing intraoperative blood loss in bilateral sagittal split osteotomy: A pilot Study.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the bone marrow space volume of the mandible affects blood loss during bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). Sixteen patients who underwent BSSO in our hospital were included in this study. Bone marrow space volume of the mandible was measured by analyzing images from computed tomography. Blood loss during BSSO was measured by weighing gauze, measuring suctioned blood, and adjusting for the volume of irrigation solution used during BSSO. Mean blood loss during BSSO for the 16 patients was 200.5 ml, and patients were divided into: Group I, with less than mean blood loss; and Group II, with greater than mean blood loss. Total bone marrow space volume was significantly greater in Group II (12,450.7 +/- 2644.3 mm(3)) than in Group I (9130.3 +/- 3005.8 mm(3); P<0.05). A correlation between bone marrow space volume and blood loss during BSSO was suggested, and these results are beneficial for surgeons planning and preparing the orthognathic surgery.