The Anatomical Basis for Plate Fixation in BSSO to Minimize Condylar Torquing: A Comparative CT Study of Mandibular...

Condylar displacement after bilateral sagittal-split osteotomy (BSSO) occur in the sagittal plane as clockwise/counter-clockwise rotation of the ramus, in the coronal plane as medial/lateral inclination, or in the axial plane as medial/lateral condylar torquing. The purpose of this prospective CT study was to evaluate the role of plate fixation in minimizing condylar torquing or rotational changes in the axial plane.

This prospective study was carried out on 26 patients, 13 of whom underwent advancement BSSO and 13 setback BSSO, without maxillary LeFort I osteotomies. All mandibular movements were symmetrical. Fixation of the osteotomized segments was achieved with a single 4-hole plate and monocortical screws. In case of mandibular setbacks, a straight plate was used, whereas an inset-bent plate was used for advancements. Computed tomography scans were obtained preoperatively and postoperatively to measure condylar rotation or torqueing in the axial plane. An increase in condylar angle on axial slices was considered as lateral condylar torquing, whereas a decrease was considered as medial condylar torquing.

A mean medial condylar torquing of 0.2° was noted postoperatively in case of setbacks (p > 0.05 not significant). This suggested minimal condylar torquing, indicating that the proximal and distal segments maintained contact at the anterior vertical osteotomy fixed with a straight plate. In case of advancements, a mean lateral condylar torquing of 2.2° was noted postoperatively (p < 0.005, highly significant). This suggested that the proximal segment flare at the anterior vertical osteotomy site was maintained by inset-bent plate fixation.

The gaps between the proximal and distal segments created by mandibular advancement and setback should be maintained. An attempt to close these gaps, especially in mandibular advancement, will result in an unfavourable axial condylar torque. Consequently, the areas of bony contact between the proximal and distal osteotomy sites created by mandibular advancement and setback should be maintained as well.