Are condylar repositioning devices required in bilateral sagittal split osteotomies?

Abstract

Bilateral Sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) is used to correct malocclusion by mobilizing the mandible during orthognathic procedures surgically. Although the use of condylar positioning devices (CPDs) seems judicious, its effect on condylar position and relapse has not been studied in depth. A few of the limitations are the precision of such devices, along with the added amount of time to the procedure. The outcomes of the CPDs may lead to the paralysis of the muscles of mastication, malalignment of the bone segments, and deranged position of condyle due to the inadvertent force used to bring the jaws into occlusion. Thus, an effort was made to compare the merits and demerits of manual repositioning with those of CPDs.