Introduction:To evaluate the skeletal stability after a bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) setback of the mandible fixed with a biodegradable internal fixation device or metal internal fixation device. Materials and Methods: Thirty consecutive patients underwent mandibular setback via BSSO. Fifteen patients were fixed with a biodegradable internal fixation device or metal internal fixation device respectively. Posteroanterior (PA) and lateral cephalograms were taken preoperatively and at two days, 5.5 months and 14.5 months postoperatively. The relevant skeletal points were traced and digitized to evaluate the skeletal changes postoperatively. The relapse rates were analyzed and compared statistically. Results: There was no statistically significant differences in postoperative stability between the two groups.(P<0.05) Conclusion: The biodegradable internal fixation device may make an effective device alternative to a metal internal fixation device for setback BSSO.

(J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg 2012;38:379-83) Oromandibular dystonia (OMD) is a rare focal form of dystonia caused by prolonged muscles spasms in the mouth, face, and jaw. OMD can develop after dental treatment, as poorly aligned dentures or multiple tooth extraction may cause an impairment of proprioception in the oral cavity, leading to the subsequent development of dystonia. These repetitive involuntary jaw movements may interfere with chewing, swallowing, and speaking. We report here two cases of OMD after dental procedures.

No abstract