Comparative assessment of osteotomy cut using bur and saw for bilateral sagittal split osteotomy of mandible: a prospective clinical study

Purpose To compare the intraoperative utility of bur and saw and to examine the pattern of lingual split during bilateral sagittal split osteotomy of mandible. Material and methods This study prospectively compares the intraoperative utility of bur and saw in bilateral sagittal split osteotomy as split-mouth model. Study includes 16 patients (representing 32 sagittal split osteotomies) divided into two groups. The procedure to be performed was explained to the patient, followed by written informed consent. The institutional ethical committee approved the clinical study and all subjects gave informed consent. Results We found that the ease of handling of the bur was good compared to saw. The duration required for completion of osteotomy using bur was less compared to saw. Conclusions The use of surgical drills and burs is still the gold standard in most developing nations and countries in transition like India. Depending upon the expertise of the surgeon, availability of precise dissecting instruments, one can go with either of the instrument for BSSO.