Stability of Maxillary Position After Le Fort I Osteotomy Using Self-Reinforced Biodegradable Poly-70L/30DL-Lactide Miniplates and Screws

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stability of Le Fort I osteotomy using self-reinforced biodegradable poly-70L/30DL-lactide miniplates and screws. Patients and Methods Nineteen patients who had Le Fort I osteotomy and internal fixation using self-reinforced biodegradable poly-70L/30DL-lactide miniplates and screws were evaluated both radiographically and clinically. Changes in maxillary position after operation were documented 1 week, 1, 3, 6 mo, and/or 1-yr postoperatively with lateral cephalometric tracings. Complications of the self-reinforced biodegradable poly-70L/30DL-lactide miniplates and screws were evaluated by follow-up roentgenograms and clinical observation. A mixed model analysis for repeated measures was used for statistical analysis. Results Maxillary position was stable after operation with no change between time points ( P > .05). There were no complications with the self-reinforced biodegradable poly-70L/30DL-lactide miniplates and screws. Conclusions Internal fixation of the maxilla after Le Fort I osteotomy with self-reinforced biodegradable poly-70L/30DL-lactide miniplates and screws is a reliable method for maintaining the postoperative maxillary position after Le Fort I osteotomy.