Abstract: A method and instrument for positioning a proximal segment of a buccal cortex to seat a condyle in the fossa during TMJ corrective procedures includes osteotomizing a mandible, thereby forming a proximal segment and a distal segment, drilling a burr hole in the proximal segment adjacent the osteotomy and inserting, into the hole, the tip of a positioning instrument having a handle, an elongated shaft and a stepped down tip angled approximately 45.degree. relative to the axis of the handle and shaft. The instrument can be manipulated from the patient's mouth in a minimally invasive and secure fashion.