Resorbable PLLA-PGA screw fixation of mandibular sagittal split osteotomies

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intraoperative placement and clinical effectiveness of resorbable copolymeric screws for mandibular sag ift-al split ramus osteotomies. Thirty-seven patients who underwent bilateral sagittal split osteotomies of the mandible were fixated with three 2.5-mm copolymeric poly-L-lactic-polyglycolic (PLLA-PGA) screws on each side. No postoperative maxillomandibular fixation was applied. Twenty-five patients experienced mandibular advancement and 12 patients had setbacks. The average advancement was 6.5 mm (range, 3-17 mm) and the average setback was 5.2 mm (range, 3-8 mm). Intraoperative placement was uncomplicated and no screws were stripped during placement. No problems in immediate postoperative stability were encountered and relapse was not evident in any patient. Follow-up ranged from 3 to 17 months. The screw holes remained evident radiographically after 1 year. Two and one-half-millimeter copolymeric PLLA-PGA 'resorbable screws for mandibular ramus osteotomies appear to offer clinical results comparable with metallic screw fixation.