Condylar displacement and temporomandibular joint dysfunction following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy and rigid fixation

In this study changes in intercondylar width (ICW) and intercondylar angle (ICA) that occurred with rigid fixation after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy and mandibular advancement are documented and correlated with temporomandibular (TM) symptoms, magnitude of advancement, and mandibular shape. Even though individual changes occurred, there was no significant difference between the mean preoperative and postoperative ICA and ICW measurements. There was also no significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative incidence of TM pain or clicking. No correlation was found between the magnitude of advancement and the percent change in ICA or ICW, and the mandibular shape did not correlate to changes in ICW. This study suggests that screw osteosynthesis does not significantly change ICA or ICW. The fact that no significant increase in TM symptoms occurred indicates that the changes in condylar position that did occur were within the range of clinical adaptability of the patients.