Comparison of postoperative stability of three rigid internal fixation techniques after sagittal split ramus osteotomy for mandibular advancement

Post-BSSO condylar position stability: a comparison of miniplate and lag screw fixation

BACKGROUND

This study was conceived to assess the postoperative stability of condylar position following fixation with miniplates and lag screws after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO).

METHODS

This retrospective study included a cohort of 20 patients undergoing BSSO using the Obwegeser-Dal Pont modification. The bony segments were stabilized using either miniplates with two 2.0-mm monocortical screws per segment or three 2.0-mm bicortical lag screws along the mandible's superior border. Pre- and postoperative (7-day interval) spiral computed tomography scans were conducted to assess skeletal changes across both groups. Data analysis employed Wilcoxon signed-rank and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference was observed between the pre-and postoperative condylar position parameters (P>0.05). However, the lag screw group showed a marginal significant increase in the left condyle's angulation (preoperative: 24.83 ± 6.37 vs. postoperative: 32.5 ± 4.93; P = 0.04). Changes in condylar height, length, and width were not statistically significant before and after BSSO in either groups (P>0.05). Nor was any statistically significant difference found between the miniplates and lag screws groups regarding condylar position parameters (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that both lag screw and miniplate fixation methods can be effectively employed in BSSO procedures without impacting condylar position parameters. Thus, either fixation method can be chosen depending on factors such as the surgeon's preference and clinical outcomes.

The effect of different hybrid rigid internal fixation techniques on the postoperative stability following a mandibular advancement using a bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy: A retrospective three-dimensional comparative study

OBJECTIVE

To three-dimensionally evaluate post-operative mandibular stability following bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomies between hybrid and non-hybrid rigid internal fixation techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Seventy adults with skeletal class II deformity who underwent bilateral split sagittal osteotomy with mandibular advancement were included. Patients were divided into four groups based on their fixation techniques: hybrid technique (HT) groups I, II, and IV received a 4-hole 2 mm miniplate with either a bicortical screw (BS), additional 2 mm 4-hole miniplate, or two-hole miniplate, while non-HT group III received a 4-hole 2 mm miniplate with four mini-screws (MS). Measurements were taken pre-operatively (T0), immediately postoperatively (T1), and ≥1 year after surgery (T2) using 3D Slicer software.

RESULTS

Age, sex, and follow-up period did not correlate significantly with postoperative relapse or stability. Significant differences were observed in the advancement on the right side between groups II, III, and IV and on the left side between groups I, III, and IV. However, the type of surgical intervention showed no significant effect on postoperative relapse and stability. All groups of fixations showed satisfactory stability with irrelevant relapse (< 2 mm or 2°).

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated satisfactory and comparable stability among different fixation groups on patients undergoing mandibular advancement following bilateral split sagittal osteotomy. The results highlighted the importance of considering the degree of advancement when planning orthognathic surgery and managing postoperative outcomes.

Systematic mapping review of orthognathic surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic mapping review AIM AND SCOPE: The objective of this mapping review was to identify, describe, and organize clinical research currently available from systematic reviews and primary studies regarding co-interventions and different surgical modalities used in orthognathic surgery (OS) and their outcomes.

METHODS

Systematic reviews (SRs), randomized controlled trials, and observational studies that evaluated perioperative OS co-interventions and surgical modalities were identified in an exhaustive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Epistemonikos, Lilacs, Web of Science, and CENTRAL. Grey literature was also screened.

RESULTS

Included were 35 SRs and 253 primary studies, 103 from SRs, and another 150 identified in our search. Overall, SR quality was rated as critically low, with only two SRs rated as of high quality. 19 questions on population, interventions, comparisons, and outcomes (PICO) extracted from the SRs focused on osteosynthesis methods, surgical cutting devices, and use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, and induced hypotension. Also identified were 15 research gaps. Evidence bubble maps were created to graphically depict the available evidence.

CONCLUSION

Future high-quality research, both primary and secondary, is needed to address the knowledge gaps identified in this systematic mapping review.

Does maxillomandibular fixation affect skeletal stability following mandibular advancement? A single-blind clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The stability of the results remains a significant concern in orthognathic surgeries. This study aimed to assess the amount of relapse following mandibular advancement with/without maxillomandibular fixation (MMF).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single-blind clinical trial was conducted on patients with mandibular retrognathism who underwent BSSO for mandibular advancement and Lefort I maxillary superior repositioning. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of treatment (MMF) and control (no MMF). In the treatment group, MMF was performed for 2 weeks; meanwhile, MMF was not performed in the control group, and only guiding elastics were applied postoperatively. Lateral cephalograms were obtained preoperatively (T1), immediately after surgery (T2), and at 1 year postoperatively (T3). The distance from points A and B to the X and Y plane were measured to identify the amount of vertical and horizontal relapse in 1 year as a primary outcome. An independent t-test was applied in order to find differences in outcomes between the control and treatment groups.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were evaluated in two groups (28 patients in the MMF group and 30 in the no-MMF group). The magnitude of mandibular advancement following BSSO was 7.68±1.39 mm and 7.53±1.28, respectively, without significant difference among the groups (p= 0.68). The mean sagittal and vertical changes (relapse) at point B were significantly different between the two groups at 1-year follow-up after the osteotomy (p=0.001 and p=0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSION

According to the results of this study, patients with short-term MMF following BSSO for mandibular advancement benefit from significantly greater skeletal stability in the sagittal and vertical dimensions.

Comparison of bicortical, miniplate and hybrid fixation techniques in mandibular advancement and counterclockwise rotation: A finite element analysis study

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate biomechanical stability and stress distribution of five different fixation types with finite element analysis using 10-mm advancement with or without counterclockwise rotation of the mandible.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After sagittal split osteotomy, 10-mm advancement was performed in the first group and 10-mm advancement and 10-degree counterclockwise rotation were performed in the second group. One miniplate (M-1), two-miniplate (M-2), one miniplate and a bicortical screw (H), l-shaped bicortical screw (B-1), and inverted l-shaped bicortical screw (B-2) systems were placed. Totally, 120 N force was applied to the models at a 45-degree angle from the lower edge of the symphysis.

RESULTS

The highest values on fixation were seen with miniplate, while the mean values were obtained with bicortical screw system. The highest values on bone were achieved using bicortical screws. One miniplate (M-1) showed both the highest and mean displacement. The highest values in counterclockwise-rotated models increased in all parameters, compared to non-rotated models.

CONCLUSION

In cases in which passive alignment between segments and adequate bone contact are ensured, inverted l-shaped bicortical screw, two-miniplate, or hybrid systems are recommended.

Botulinum toxin-A injection into the anterior belly of the digastric muscle for the prevention of post-operative open bite in class II malocclusions: a case report and literature review

Background

Class II malocclusion patients with hyperdivergent facial types are characterized by short mandibular body lengths and anterior open bite. Accordingly, the treatment for hyperdivergent skeletal class II malocclusion is a lengthening of the mandibular body length and a counterclockwise rotation of the mandible. To prevent post-operative relapse, botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) injection can be a retention modality.

Case presentation

A class II open-bite patient received BTX-A injection to the anterior belly of her digastric muscle for the prevention of post-operative relapse. The relapse was evaluated via a clinical examination and a lateral cephalometric radiograph after the completion of post-surgical orthodontic treatment. The patient showed stable occlusion without any signs of relapse at 15 months post-operatively.

Conclusion

In this case presentation, a single injection into the anterior belly of the digastric muscle was sufficient for the prevention of post-operative open bite.

Biomechanical evaluation of hybrid fixation method of sagittal split ramus osteotomy in mandibular advancement

PURPOSE

In this study, eight different fixation methods applied after sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) were compared experimentally.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SSRO was performed to 48 sheep hemimandibles in eight groups of 6 each. Group A- a four hole standard miniplate; Group B- a four hole standard miniplate and one bicortical screw; Group C-a four hole locking plate; Group D-a four hole locking plate and one bicortical screw; Group E-a six hole straight miniplate; Group F-a six hole straight miniplate and one bicortical screw; Group G- a sliding plate, which was specifically designed for SSRO; Group H- sliding plate and one bicortical screw.

RESULTS

In terms of measured values of displacement, the highest degrees of displacement were observed in decreasing order in Groups G, C, A, and E. The least displacement values were detected in Groups H, F, D and B with values being very close to each other. For linear force applied up to 70N, 3 mm or higher displacement values were not seen in any fixation system.

CONCLUSION

According to the results of study, all systems are suitable for clinic usage. However, intermaxillary fixation or functional elastics may be needed for sliding plate systems during the healing period of hard tissue.

Are bicortical screw and plate osteosynthesis techniques equal in providing skeletal stability with the bilateral sagittal split osteotomy when used for mandibular advancement surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis

The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in postoperative skeletal stability between bicortical screw and monocortical plate fixation after mandibular advancement surgery with bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSO). A comprehensive search of major databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL) was conducted to locate all relevant articles published from inception to October 2015. Studies were selected based on inclusion criteria; randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, and retrospective studies comparing bicortical screw vs. monocortical plate fixation after BSSO, reported in peer-reviewed publications in the English language, were considered eligible. Changes in linear measurements (horizontal and vertical) were analyzed. Five relevant studies were identified, involving 203 patients (bicortical screw n=98, monocortical plate n=105). No significant difference was found between monocortical plate and bicortical screw fixation in horizontal (P=0.099) or vertical measurement (P=0.882). Based on this review, there is overall agreement in the literature that the amount of advancement has a direct relationship with postoperative changes. The results of this meta-analysis support the hypothesis that there is no statistically significant difference in skeletal stability between bicortical screw and monocortical plate fixation of the BSSO following mandibular advancement surgery.

Botulinum toxin as a therapeutic agent to prevent relapse in deep bite patients

INTRODUCTION

The etiology of deep bite is multifactorial. One of the causes is increased muscular activity. This makes the treatment of deep bite malocclusions difficult and often results in relapse in many cases. In this work we compared patients with surgical orthognathic treatment only and surgical orthognathic treatment with additional injections of botulinum toxin after mandibular advancement for class II division 2 malocclusion.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a prospective study. Adult patients were assessed pretreatment (T1), posttreatment (T2), and long-term after 1 year (T3). In total, 32 patients (mean age, 30.7 years; 23 women and 9 men) reached the study end point (T3); 24 patients were treated without botulinum toxin and 8 patients received preoperative injections of botulinum toxin.

RESULTS

Significant differences between both groups were observed, with a more stable result for the experimental group treated with botulinum toxin.

DISCUSSION

In a selective group of adult patients with a class II division II incisor relationship and with a class II skeletal base, botulinum toxin injections can effectively prevent relapse. This may present an alternative to a conventional myotomy.

Moving the mandible in orthognathic surgery - A multicenter analysis

Orthognathic surgery has always been a classical focus of maxillofacial surgery. Since more than 100 years, various surgical techniques for mandibular repositioning have been developed and clinically tested. Since the establishment of plate and screw osteosynthesis, orthognathic surgery became more stable and safe. Nowadays, different surgical methods for mobilising the mandible are existing. This international multicenter analysis (n = 51 hospitals) is providing first evidence based data for the current use of different surgical methods. The dominating techniques were Obwegeser/dal Pont (61%) followed by Hunsuck/Epker (37%) and Perthes/Schlössmann (29%). The main osteosynthesis materials were plates (82%), bicortical screws (23.5%), or a combination of both (5.9%). 47% of all centers reported to use several surgical methods at the same time, depending on the anatomical problem and the surgeon's preference. This shows that different surgical methods seem to work as comparable, safe, and reliable procedures in everydays clinical practise. On this basis, further prospective studies could evaluate possible advantages for our patients.

An in vitro comparison between two different designs of sagittal split ramus osteotomy

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the influence of the type of osteotomy in the inferior aspect of the mandible on the mechanical performance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was performed on 20 polyurethane hemimandibles. A sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) was designed in 10 hemimandibles (group 1) with a vertical osteotomy in the buccal side (second molar level) and final osteotomy was performed horizontally on the lingual aspect, while the mandible body osteotomy was finalized as a straight osteotomy in the basilar area, perpendicular to the body. For group 2, the same osteotomy technique was used, but an oblique osteotomy was done in the basilar aspect of the mandibular body, forming continuity with the sagittal cut in the basilar area. Using a surgical guide, osteosynthesis was performed with bicortical screws using an inverted L scheme. In both groups vertical compression tests were performed with a linear load of 1 mm/min on the central fossa of the first molar and tests were done with models made from photoelastic resin. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test, establishing a statistical significance when P <0.05.

RESULTS

A statistical difference was not observed in the maximum displacements obtained in the two osteotomies (P <0.05). In the extensiometric analysis, statistically significant differences were identified only in the middle screw of the fixation. The photoelastic resin models showed force dissipation towards the inferior aspect of the mandible in both SSRO models.

CONCLUSION

We found that osteotomy of the inferior aspect did not influence the mechanical performance for osteosynthesis with an inverted L system.

Skeletal stability after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy or distraction osteogenesis of the mandible: a randomized clinical trial

A randomized clinical trial was carried out to evaluate postoperative stability after mandibular advancements in non-syndromal class II patients with a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) or distraction osteogenesis (DO). In total 32 patients could be included in the BSSO group and 34 patients in the DO group. The BSSO was converted to a unilateral procedure for one patient, and two patients in the BSSO group were lost during follow-up. A total 63 patients could be evaluated, 29 in the BSSO group and 34 in the DO group. Advancement was comparable in the two groups (mean 7.2mm). The mean follow-up period was 23.8 months (range 11-50 months). Lateral cephalograms were hand-traced. Horizontal relapse was measured in Y-B (mm) and SNB (°). For DO this was -0.324 mm and -0.250°, and for BSSO this was -0.448 mm and -0.259°, respectively (both not significant; NS). Vertical relapse measured in X-B was -0.074 mm for DO and -0.034 mm for BSSO (NS). The magnitude of advancement, a high mandibular plane angle, age and gender were not identified as independent risk factors for relapse. In conclusion, a BSSO and DO gave both similar stable results in advancements of the mandible up to 10mm.

Mandibular surgery: technologic and technical improvements

The ability of surgeons to use advanced techniques can significantly improve both surgical outcome and patient satisfaction. Surgical evolution in mandibular orthognathic surgery is no exception, because advancements have aided both surgical planning and technique. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the historical progression of improvements in this technique and appreciate the technologic advancements as they are happening. Computer-driven surgical planning is becoming increasingly popular, providing surgeons and patients with the ability to adjust to intraoperative and postoperative variations. By using these capabilities, clinicians are now able to give patients the best possible outcomes.