An adjustable bone fixation system for sagittal split ramus osteotomy: preliminary report

After sagittal split osteotomy, osteosynthesis for stabilization of the fra gments is usually performed by means of rigid or semirigid fixation to avoi d maxillomandibular fixation (MMF), Sometimes, this leads to malpositioning of the fragments with resulting 'immediate relapse' or disturbances of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) such as progressive idiopathic condylar re sorption, which is the worst effect. We have therefore developed a new hone fixation system that allows three-dimensional adjustment even after fixati on of the fragments, The special configuration of the system avoids intraop erative dislocation of the mandibular condyle, We have used the method succ essfully in 40 patients, 27 of whom had mandibular retrognathism and 13 of whom had mandibular prognathism. In particular, there has been no evidence of resorptive changes. There were no postoperative complications.