Intermaxillary fixation: Technique and benefit for piezosurgical sagittal split osteotomy

Introduction. The aim of this study was to assess piezosurgical sagittal split osteotomy with peroperative inter maxillary fixation. Material and method. We studied 25 bimaxillary osteotomies, 50 sagittal split osteotomies performed with this technique. It included both maxillomandibular fixation during all the split osteotomy and performing split osteotomy in five steps. For each case, we noted the type of dysmorphia, the size of split osteotomy and the time required for Surgery, along with common data such as sex., age, etc. The data was compared to results of a previous series of patients also operated with Piezosurgery (c) but without peroperative maxillomandibular fixation. Results. Using peroperative maxillomandibular fixation during piezosurgical bilateral sagittal osteotomy decreases the length of surgery by 33%, allows 9 times out of 10 for complete splitting, including the basilar edge, has no adverse effect especially oil orthodontic material. Discussion. Piezosurgery (c) is a great progress for orthognatic surgery because Of its precision and ability to preserve soft tissues. But it requires modification of the usual technique for mechanical section. Using peroperative inter maxillary fixation during ultrasonic splitting is a remarkably effective and easy technical modification. (c) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.