When anthropological considerations influence our attitude about the chin and orthognathic surgery

Address for correspondence: El-Okeily M., Centre Bordelais, de Chirurgie Maxillo-Faciale, 17, rue Esprit des Lois, 33000 Bordeaux, elokeily@maxillo-bordeaux.com

Abstract

The presence of a chin is a specific and unique feature of the human face that is absent from the face of our hominid ancestors and all other primates. A number of anthropologists have studied this anthropomorphic characteristic and elaborated various theories concerning its genesis and anatomical usefulness. Recent research based on the analysis of stress using the finite element method (FEM) seems to establish that the presence of the chin is a biomechanical consequence of skeletal and muscular equilibrium peculiar to the human face. This data is an important addition to our matrix of thoughts that influences our attitude concerning the chin and orthognathic surgery. In particular, whether or not a genioplasty is necessary, and whether it should be performed separately from orthognathic surgery or at the same time.