EVALUATION OF THE PREOPERATIVE USE OF ORTHODONTIC ACTIVATORS IN PREVENTING RELAPSE AFTER BILATERAL SAGITTAL SPLIT RAMUS OSTEOTOMY IN ADULTS

Abstract

This study was performed on eight patients selected from those seeking treatment of mandibular deficiency , all of them had symmetrical mandible that needed symmetrical mandibular advancement using BSSRO . The patients were randomly divided into two groups , patients of one group have worn monoblock activator for three months pre-surgically and the others have not worn activator .

Both groups underwent rigid fixation using three bicortical 2.0 positional screws for each side .

Pre-operative evaluation of all patients was performed by clinical examination , analysis of study models mounted on semi-adjustable articulator and panoramic and lateral cephalometric radiographic examinations . Pre-operative orthodontic preparation were done for only three of the eight involved patients .

All procedures were done under general anasthesia .

Upper and lower arch bars were fixed to all patients and circum­ mandibular and peralveolar wires were passed to be used for IMF intra­ operatively .

BSSRO was done trans-orally and a pre-fabricated intra-occlusal splint was used to act as a guide for accurate repositioning of the distal segment in relation to the maxillary teeth during the fixation procedure .