Bioconvertible screws made of allogenic cortical bone for osteosynthesis following sagittal split ramus osteotomy without postoperative immobilisation.

Since 1990, 12 patients have been operated on by sagittal split ramus osteotomy with subsequent osteosynthesis using screws made of allogenic cortical bone without any postoperative immobilisation. These cases have been followed-up and were clinically and cephalometrically analysed. In all patients no complications were recorded. Preliminary data suggests that the stability of the segments is in good accordance with procedures using metallic devices for osteotomy fixation. The advantage of the screws presented can be seen by the fact that the material used is bioconvertible and therefore no removal operation is needed. Thermal treatment of these screws prevents problems of infection.