Comparative three-dimensional maxillary stability assessment: Bioresorbable miniplate vs. titanium miniplate systems in Le Fort I osteotomy

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of bioresorbable miniplates by comparing the three-dimensional maxillary stability of poly L-lactic acid and titanium miniplate systems in Le Fort I osteotomy.

Methods

Fifty patients with jaw deformities underwent Le Fort I or bilateral sagittal split osteotomies. The patients were divided into two groups: the first group received the polylactic acid miniplate system for bone fixation, while the second group received the titanium miniplate system. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed before surgery and at 1 and 6 months after surgery. The acquired images were overlapped to quantify the extent of maxillary relapse by calculating the difference in the distance moved between 1 and 6 months after surgery.

Results

There was no significant difference in maxillary stability between the two groups 6 months after surgery.

Conclusions

The postoperative stability achieved using the poly L-lactic acid miniplate system for maxillary fixation was comparable to that achieved using the titanium miniplate system.