Skeletal fixation versus skeletal relapse.

The use of skeletal fixation was evaluated for skeletal stability during the period of intermaxillary fixation following a modified sagittal split ramus osteotomy for mandibular prognathism. A combination of bilateral maxillary peralveolar wires and circummandibular wires in the canine region was used for the fixation. One group of patients with this method of fixation (S group) and a second group without the fixation (C group) were compared cephalometrically. Statistically significant differences existed in the amount and pattern of relapse; the fixation produced a significant effect on retention of the corrected chin position. As a consequence, downward and backward rotation of the distal fragment of the mandible and compensatory incisor extrusion were notably controlled. However, upward shift of the posterior end of the distal fragment occurred persistently even in the S group, causing considerable intrusion of the posterior teeth in comparison with the C group. This seems to indicate that tension, probably exerted by the pterygomasseteric sling, is important in postoperative skeletal instability.