Assessment of material- and technique-related complications following sagittal split osteotomies stabilized by biodegradable polylactide screws

Abstract

Objective The aim of this retrospective clinical study was to determine whether there are any material-related problems and increased occurrence of postoperative mandibular nerve and temporomandibular joint dysfunctions in connection with the use of biodegradable self-reinforced poly-L-lactide (SR-PLLA) screws for bone fixation after bilateral sagittal split osteotomies (BSSO). Study design Forty consecutive patients who underwent BSSO and mandibular advancement that included fragment fixation using SR-PLLA screws were monitored for an average of 2.2 years postoperatively. Results The osteotomy sites healed uneventfully with no adverse reactions. The incidence of postoperative sensory disturbances of the inferior alveolar nerve was 27%. Symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD) observed preoperatively in 73% of patients were reduced to 48% after surgery. Conclusion The occurrence of postoperative sensory disturbances and TMJD symptoms in this study did not deviate strikingly from that of other studies using conventional osteosynthesis. No specific complications related to the screw material were observed.