Internal screw fixation: comparison of placement pattern and rigidity.

Multiple screw placement patterns and techniques have been described for fixation of the sagittal split ramus osteotomy. This study evaluated transverse strength (rigidity) of six groups of simulated sagittal osteotomies fixed with different screw patterns and placement techniques. Osteotomies fixed with screws placed in an inverted L pattern were significantly more rigid than those fixed with screws placed in a linear pattern or K-wires placed in a triangular pattern (P less than .05). No significant difference in rigidity was noted between compression and bicortical screws placed in identical patterns.