Maxillary stability following Le Fort I osteotomy in combination with sagittal split ramus osteotomy and intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy: a comparative study between titanium miniplate and poly-L-lactic acid plate.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare changes in maxillary stability after Le Fort I osteotomy with titanium miniplate and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) plate (Fixsorb-MX; Takiron Co, Osaka, Japan). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The subjects were composed of 47 Japanese patients with diagnosed jaw deformity: 24 underwent Le Fort I osteotomy and sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO); and 23 underwent Le Fort I osteotomy intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy without internal fixation. Each group was divided into titanium plate and PLLA plate groups. Time course changes between plate groups were compared using lateral and posteroanterior cephalography. RESULTS: Significant differences were identified between titanium plate and PLLA plate groups in A point after Le Fort I osteotomy and SSRO (P < .05). Significant differences existed between titanium plate and PLLA plate groups in vertical component of posterior nasal spine after Le Fort I osteotomy in both combinations with SSRO and intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (P < .05). However, no significant differences were identified in measurements on posteroanterior cephalography. CONCLUSION: These results suggest a slight tendency for vertical impaction after Le Fort I osteotomy both in combination with SSRO and intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy with PLLA plates, although differences in time course changes were not clinically apparent, and normal occlusion was established in all patients.