OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to decide whether use of bicortical screw fixation provides sufficient stability to dispense with intermaxillary fixation (IMF). STUDY DESIGN: Eighty-six patients who had undergone surgical setback of the mandible using bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomies were examined. Group 1 (15 patients) received miniplate fixation with IMF for 6 weeks, and group 2 (71 patients) received bicortical screw fixation and immediate postoperative function. The 2 groups were evaluated radiographically for postsurgical changes of the pogonion 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the magnitude of the relapse between the 2 groups over the 24-month postoperative period. CONCLUSION: The use of bicortical screw fixation after sagittal split setback of the mandible provides sufficient stability to dispense with IMF.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to decide whether use of bicortical screw fixation provides sufficient stability to dispense with intermaxillary fixation (IMF). STUDY DESIGN: Eighty-six patients who had undergone surgical setback of the mandible using bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomies were examined. Group 1 (15 patients) received miniplate fixation with IMF for 6 weeks, and group 2 (71 patients) received bicortical screw fixation and immediate postoperative function. The 2 groups were evaluated radiographically for postsurgical changes of the pogonion 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the magnitude of the relapse between the 2 groups over the 24-month postoperative period. CONCLUSION: The use of bicortical screw fixation after sagittal split setback of the mandible provides sufficient stability to dispense with IMF.