Which type of method shows the best mechanical behavior for internal fixation of bilateral sagittal split osteotomy in major advancements with clockwise rotation? Comparison of four methods.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the four methods for bilateral sagittal osteotomy fixation. METHODS: In this study, 56 replicas of whole mandibles made of rigid polyurethane were used. After simulation of major advancement (11 mm) with clockwise rotation of the mandible (6o) in relation to the occlusal plane, the bone segments were fixed with plates and screws of the 2.0-mm system on both the right and left sides: group I, double "H" plate; group II, two mini-plates; group III, "hybrid technique"; and group IV, three bicortical screws in the "inverted L" pattern. The mandibles were submitted to load on the central incisors and right first molar. RESULTS: The mean value of group I was higher than those of groups IV and II in the displacement of 1 mm (F = 4.705; p = 0.010) with load on the incisor. The mean value of group III was higher than those of groups I and II in the displacement of 1 mm (F = 5.166; p = 0.007) and 3 mm (F = 5.166; p = 0.007). The mean value of group IV was higher than that of group II (F = 3.142; p = 0.044) with load on the molar. CONCLUSION: Therefore, after the analyses, the hybrid technique was the one that showed the best results.