The study of stability of absorbable internal fixation after mandibular bilateral sagittal split ramal osteotomy

Introduction: To evaluate the skeletal stability after a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) setback of the mandible fixed with a biodegradable internal fixation device or metal internal fixation device. Materials and Methods: Thirty consecutive patients underwent mandibular setback via BSSO. Fifteen patients were fixed with a biodegradable internal fixation device or metal internal fixation device respectively. Posteroanterior (PA) and lateral cephalograms were taken preoperatively and at two days, 5.5 months and 14.5 months postoperatively. The relevant skeletal points were traced and digitized to evaluate the skeletal changes postoperatively. The relapse rates were analyzed and compared statistically. Results: There was no statistically significant differences in postoperative stability between the two groups.(P<0.05) Conclusion: The biodegradable internal fixation device may make an effective device alternative to a metal internal fixation device for setback BSSO.