Three-dimensional mandibular change after sagittal split ramus osteotomy with a semirigid sliding plate system for fixation of a mandibular setback surgery.

Objective: This study proposes a new plate system, a sliding plate, after sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO). The sliding plate was designed to adjust the spatial relationship between the proximal and distal segments during the postoperative period. This plate was used for mandibular setback surgery to minimize forward early relapse.

Study Design: Twenty-six Korean subjects who had undergone mandibular setback surgery by SSRO were included in this study. Skeletal stability was evaluated with lateral cephalograms and 3-dimensional cone-beam computerized tomography.

Results: Forward mandibular movement during the postoperative period was ~2 mm. The condyles rotated inward on the axial view after surgery. Postoperatively, the condyle rotated outward on the axial view, inward on the coronal view, and forward on the sagittal view by a statistically significant amount.

Conclusions: The fixation method with sliding plates after SSRO was stable and convenient for the operators during surgery and postoperative care.