Modified hybrid fixation using absorbable plate and screw for mandibular advancement surgery

Area of Science:

• Orthognathic Surgery
• Craniofacial Reconstruction
• Biomaterials in Medicine

Background:

• Sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) is a common procedure for correcting jaw deformities.
• Fixation methods are crucial for maintaining skeletal stability post-osteotomy.
• Absorbable fixation materials offer potential advantages over traditional metal implants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the skeletal stability of mandibular advancement using modified hybrid fixation with absorbable plates and screws.
• To compare the outcomes of absorbable fixation with titanium fixation in mandibular advancement.
• To assess the reliability of absorbable fixation in both mandibular advancement and setback surgeries.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving 54 Japanese patients undergoing SSRO.
• Groups included mandibular setback with absorbable fixation, mandibular advancement with absorbable fixation, and mandibular advancement with titanium fixation.
• Skeletal stability and condylar angle were analyzed using cephalograms at multiple postoperative time points (1 month, 3 months, 1 year).

Main Results:

• Mandibular advancement with absorbable fixation showed no significant difference in skeletal stability compared to titanium fixation.
• Initial significant differences between setback and advance groups in certain cephalometric measurements were observed, but diminished over time.
• Long-term skeletal stability was comparable between absorbable and titanium fixation groups.

Conclusions:

• Absorbable plates and screws are a useful and reliable option for mandibular advancement surgery.
• The modified hybrid fixation using absorbable materials demonstrates efficacy comparable to titanium fixation.
• Successful implementation of absorbable fixation contributes to predictable outcomes in orthognathic surgery.