Comparison of material-related complications after bilateral sagittal split mandibular setback surgery: biodegradable versus titanium miniplates.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present prospective study was to compare material-related complications using biodegradable and titanium miniplates after bilateral sagittal split mandibular setback surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The subjects included 200 Japanese adults (67 men and 133 women, age range 18 to 45 years) with jaw deformities diagnosed as mandibular prognathism. All patients were prospectively and consecutively randomized to 2 study groups, receiving biodegradable or titanium fixation plates. Of the 200 patients, 110 underwent bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy with a biodegradable fixation plate and 90 underwent bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy with a titanium metal plate. The clinical records and radiologic findings of the patients were reviewed, and the incidence of material-related complications was compared. RESULTS: The incidence of postoperative complications and breakage in the biodegradable group was 8.2% (9 cases) and in the titanium group was 3.3% (3 cases). No statistically significant difference in the incidence of complications was found between the 2 groups. Fractures of the biodegradable plate occurred at a significantly greater frequency in patients with asymmetry than in patients without asymmetry. CONCLUSION: Biodegradable plates were reliable with minimal material-related complications. However, the use of biodegradable plates should be recommended for minimally loaded situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]