Bone screws and plates in orthognathic surgery

The almost universal use of bone plates and screws in orthognathic surgical procedures is surveyed. Based upon considerable personal experience, it is advocated that this technique should be used for better stabilization of the fragments, leading to faster bone healing and therefore to less relapse. Other advantages such as shortening of the period of intermaxillary fixation and the possibility of immediate postoperative opening of the mouth are weighed against disadvantages, such as higher rate of nerve disturbance, and second intervention for removal of the osteosynthetic material. The conclusion is drawn that the application of bone screws and plates is a major improvement in the correction of deformities in the maxillo-facial region.