The significance of condylar position using rigid fixation in orthognathic surgery.

Rigid fixation in orthognathic surgery has major advantages, particularly the elimination of postoperative intermaxillary fixation, which makes the procedure more comfortable for the patient. The main disadvantage of rigid fixation in these procedures is that errors in the position of bony segments and dislocations of the mandibular condyle during surgery may result in errors of the occlusion and cause adverse effects on the temporomandibular joint. When rigid fixation is used, the presurgical position of the condyles should be maintained. The principles of condylar positioning are described.