Movement of the proximal and distal segments after mandibular ramus osteotomies

Data was collected from 27 patients who were treated with various ramal surgical procedures. Movements of the proximal segment during and after surgery were frequently noted. If the proximal segment was moved from its preoperative position and fixed to the distal segment, occlusal relapse was visible shortly after release of maxillomandibular fixation. Proximal segments displaced during surgery and not fixed to the distal segment frequently returned to their preoperative positions during fixation or assumed positions of biologic equilibrium. In such cases, occlusal relapse was minimal or nonexistent.