Biodegradable osteosynthesis in mandibular advancement: a pilot study.

In this pilot study four patients are presented who underwent bilateral sagittal split osteotomies of the mandibular ramus for mandibular advancement. Biodegradable osteosyntheses were used for internal fixation. All patients were from the same dentofacial category: mandibular retrognathia with a low to normal mandibular plane angle. In two patients cylindrical self-reinforced polyglycolide (PGA) rods were used for internal fixation of the osteotomy segments. Long-term evaluation showed a complete ossification at the sites of biodegradable rods. In two other patients, self-reinforced poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) screws with a diameter of 2 mm were used to stabilize osteotomy segments. The two different techniques of osteosynthesis and the problems encountered are discussed.