Can resorbable screws effectively be used in fixating bilateral sagittal split osteotomies for mandibular advancement? A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Resorbable fixation material is an attractive option for those patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. The efficacy of resorbable screws was tested in bilateral mandibular sagittal split osteotomies (BSSOs) performed for correction of retrognathic mandibles.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

One hundred one patients were enrolled in this prospective randomized clinical trial. Patients in group 1 (n = 51) received titanium screws (Stryker) and patients in group 2 (n = 50) received resorbable screws (Inion CPS). Outcome measurements were compared for statistical significance.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference in the use of postoperative elastics (P < .0001). There was no statistically significant difference in other outcome measurements, including clinical evidence of relapse.

CONCLUSION

Resorbable screws can be used effectively for fixation of BSSO for mandibular advancement. A higher incidence of rotation around positional screws can result secondary to the mechanical "looseness" when using resorbable screws. This can be treated effectively using Class III mechanic elastics during the initial stages of bone healing.