LactoSorb resorbable osteosynthesis after sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible: a 2-year follow-up

Twenty patients had sagittal split osteosynthesis performed with three or four 2.5-mm resorbable screws on each side without additional fixation. The screws consisted of a poly-L-latic/polyglycolic copolymer (LactoSorb). Of the 20 patients, 17 had mandibular advancement, two had mandibular setback, and one underwent unilateral mandibular advancement after previous condylectomy. Six patients underwent simultaneous Le Fort I osteotomy and four patients had simultaneous genioplasty. Postoperative training elastics were maintained for an average of 2.5 weeks. Six of the patients have been followed for 2 years, and 14 have been followed between 1 and 2 years without observable relapse and without clinical, radiological, or histological signs of healing complications. The resorbable osteosynthesis utilized in this series of sagittal split osteotomy seems to offer reliable stability during the period of bony healing without any adverse tissue reactions.