Rigid fixation of maxillary osteotomies: a preliminary report and technique article.

The authors review their experiences with seventy cases of maxillary osteotomy rigidly stabilized with bone plates and minimal or no maxillomandibular fixation. The surgical technique, which allows consistent placement of plates in dense bone without endangering root apices, is described in detail. Orthodontic management has been started as early as 3 weeks postoperatively. A disadvantage of small plates is the possible need for their removal, which requires a second surgical procedure. Plates have been removed or replaced in five patients in this series.