Sequencing in Orthognathic Bimaxillary Surgery: Which Jaw Should Be Operated First? A Scoping Review

Abstract

Bimaxillary orthognathic surgery is widely used for the correction of dentoskeletal deformities. Surgery sequencing (maxilla or mandible first) remains debated, and guidelines and consensus are lacking. This scoping review summarizes the state of the art and compares the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches. The review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched using the PICO protocol and key words in orthognathic surgical sequencing. Four reviewers screened the records independently, and disagreement was resolved by consensus. A total of 23 records met the inclusion criteria. The advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches were compared and assessed for accuracy of reporting. Within the limitations of the present study, available evidence for the intrinsic advantages and the accuracy of the mandible-first sequence supports the choice of this approach in most cases. Nevertheless, each clinical case needs to be evaluated individually, as no dogmatic recommendations can be given for sequencing in bimaxillary orthognathic surgery.