Control of the condylar-proximal mandibular segments after sagittal split osteotomies to advance the mandible.

Maintenance of the normal or presurgical anatomic position of the mandibular condyles and contiguous proximal mandibular ramus segments after sagittal split ramus osteotomies is important, not only to enhance the stability of results but also to avoid iatrogenic temporomandibular joint complications. Accordingly, during the past few years, we have attempted to improve the surgical control of condyle and proximal segment position while using the sagittal split ramus osteotomy to advance the mandible. After several modifications, the device reported herein was used and the results evaluated in ten consecutive patients who underwent bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomies with symmetric advancement of the mandible. This device enables the surgeon to obtain very precise reproduction of the "normal" proximal segment and condyle position at the time of surgery. The use of the device and documentation of its efficiency are presented.