Stability of the osteotomy site following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy: screw fixation v IMF

In a group of patients with mandibular deficiency with a low to normal mandibular plane angle (mean 20.7 degrees, range 10-28 degrees) and deep bite, the position of the condylar segment relative to the mandibular body, following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) for mandibular advancement was assessed. Ten patients in whom intermaxillary fixation (IMF) was used for a 5-week period were compared to 10 patients where 2 mm diameter Wurzburg positional screws were used as internal fixation. Six patients who were known bruxists and underwent BSSO were also reviewed. No clinically significant changes were seen in any patient group and no significant differences were found in the relationship with time between the condylar and body segments, irrespective of the fixation method used.