Comparative evaluation of screw configuration on the stability of the sagittal split osteotomy.

This study is a comparative evaluation of two commonly used screw configurations on the rigidity of the sagittal split osteotomy. A cadaver model was used to compare the immediate load strength of three screws placed horizontally above the neurovascular bundle (horizontal configuration) versus two screws placed horizontally above the bundle and one screw placed inferiorly below the bundle (triad configuration). The triad configuration was found to have a mean percentage increase in rigidity of 58% over the horizontal configuration. The paired t test was used to evaluate the data, disclosing a significant difference in load strength (p less than 0.01).