Stable fragment fixation in orthognathic surgery: review of 30 cases

A method of stable fragment fixation in maxillary and mandibular orthognathic surgery is described. In 30 cases, the follow-up was long enough (one to five years) to promote review of the results. As expected, stability and wound healing were excellent. The method is comfortable for the patient, prevents excessive weight loss, and reduces postoperative morbidity and the length of stay in hospital. The incidence of permanent damage to the mandibular alveolar nerve is the same as with conventional fixation methods. Special attention was given to the possible occurrence of TMJ problems that might result from the condylar rotations. Neither clinical or radiographic evidence of TMJ damage could be established. The method of stable fragment fixation can be especially advocated in bimaxillary and edentulous cases and cases prone to osseous relapse.