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Mandibular range of motion after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy with wire osteosynthesis or rigid fixation
J P Hatch1, J E Van Sickels, J D Rugh
1Departments of Psychiatry and Orthodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 78229-3900, USA.
Objectives:
An analysis was conducted to compare mandibular range of motion among Class II patients treated with wire osteosynthesis or rigid internal fixation after surgical mandibular advancement.
Study Design:
Patients randomly received wire osteosynthesis and 8 weeks of maxillomandibular fixation (n = 49) or rigid internal fixation (n = 78). Mandibular range of motion was measured 2 weeks before surgery and 8 weeks, 6 months, and 1, 2, and 5 years after surgery.
Results:
Both groups showed decreased mobility in all movement dimensions that progressively recovered to near presurgical levels over the 5-year follow-up period. The difference in range of motion between treatment groups was not statistically significant. Changes in proximal and distal segment position could not explain decreased mobility.
Conclusions:
Similar decreases in mandibular mobility occurred with wire and rigid fixation of a bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy after surgery. Long-term changes were statistically, but not clinically, significant.
