Sagittal split technique. III. Postoperative rest conditions. A radiographic follow-up study

The radiological appearance of 26 patients was studied 11--53 months postoperatively following sagittal split osteotomy. In 75% of the cases examined an increase in the mandibular angle could be noted compared to pretreatment values. This differences was statistically significant. In 70% of the cases the angle increased by 1--10 degrees. In 25% there was no change or reduction in the angle. The antero-posterior width of the rami was found to decrease; when this was combined with an increase in the mandibular angle, extensive morphological changes were found. These postoperative conditions must be regarded as unsatisfactory and a modification of the technique of sagittal split osteotomy should be considered as for example advocated by EPKER4.