Modification of sagittal split ramus osteotomy to avoid unfavorable fracture around impacted third molars

The dental literature recognizes that performing sagittal ramus osteotomy when impacted third molars are present significantly increases the risk of unfavorable fractures of both the proximal and distal segments. Many articles have described how to repair unfavorable fractures of sagittal split segments, but few to date specifically address how to modify the osteotomy design to reduce the potential for unfavorable fractures. Moreover, techniques for removal of impacted third molars after the completion of a sagittal split ramus osteotomy have received little attention in the literature, yet it is obviously a common occurrence. This paper describes a modification of the sagittal split ramus osteotomy when a fully formed impacted third molar is present at the time of the sagittal ramus osteotomy. A technique is also described for removing the impacted third molar after the sagittal split is completed. Clinical experience has demonstrated these techniques to have several advantages.