Stability of sagittal split ramus osteotomy used to correct Class III malocclusion: review of the literature.

Setback of the mandible to correct mandibular prognathism is a well-known procedure. The 2 most frequently used techniques are the intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) and the sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO). Although SSRO has been performed for many years, few data exist concerning long-term skeletal stability, and different hypotheses have been suggested to explain potential relapse. The literature published between 1985 and the present concerning this procedure was reviewed, and the authors analyze and discuss skeletal stability and factors contributing to relapse.