Power chains as an alternative to steel-wire ligatures in temporary maxillomandibular fixation: a pilot study

The aim of this study was to compare two techniques for temporary intraoperative maxillomandibular fixation (TIO-MMF) during orthognathic surgery: steel-wire ligatures versus power chains. Patients undergoing orthognathic surgery between October 2019 and March 2020 were included in a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in three participating hospitals. Data were collected using a standardized measurement form. A total of 44 patients were included, in whom TIO-MMF was applied 79 times. A statistically significant difference in intraoperative loss of stability of the segment relationship was found between steel-wire ligatures (11.4%) and power chains (0%). The mean application time of TIO-MMF differed significantly between steel-wire ligatures (99 seconds) and power chains (157 seconds) (P < 0.001). There was no statistical difference in occurrence of adverse events between the two techniques. This study found that the application of TIO-MMF with power chains is more stable compared to steel-wire ligatures. Steel-wire ligatures were significantly faster to apply, although the absolute difference (less than 1 minute) was small. Other possible advantages of the proposed technique are discussed. The results of this study suggest that power chains for the application of TIO-MMF in orthognathic surgery are a valuable alternative to steel-wire ligatures.