title: Bad split during bilateral sagittal split osteotomy of the mandible with separators: a retrospective study of 427 patients.
abstract: An unfavourable fracture, known as a bad split, is a common operative complication in bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO). The reported incidence ranges from 0.5 to 5.5%/site. Since 1994 we have used sagittal splitters and separators instead of chisels for BSSO in our clinic in an attempt to prevent postoperative hypoaesthesia. Theoretically an increased percentage of bad splits could be expected with this technique. In this retrospective study we aimed to find out the incidence of bad splits associated with BSSO done with splitters and separators. We also assessed the risk factors for bad splits. The study group comprised 427 consecutive patients among whom the incidence of bad splits was 2.0%/site, which is well within the reported range. The only predictive factor for a bad split was the removal of third molars at the same time as BSSO. There was no significant association between bad splits and age, sex, class of occlusion, or the experience of the surgeon. We think that doing a BSSO with splitters and separators instead of chisels does not increase the risk of a bad split, and is therefore safe with predictable results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands. GMensink1@amphia.nl
authors.forename: Gertjan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mensink
authors.forename: Jop P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Verweij
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Frank
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Eelco Bergsma
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Richard van Merkesteyn
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D063172:Genioplasty; D006801:Humans; D006987:Hypesthesia / Q000517:prevention & control; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques; D008297:Male; D008312:Malocclusion, Angle Class II / Q000601:surgery; D008313:Malocclusion, Angle Class III / Q000601:surgery; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008904:Miniaturization; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery; D056948:Orthognathic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D019340:Osteotomy, Le Fort; D059229:Osteotomy, Sagittal Split Ramus / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy; Complications; Orthognathic surgery