Our Summary

This research paper is about a study conducted on patients with certain dental and skeletal abnormalities (class III deformity). The researchers were interested in seeing how a specific type of surgery (2-jaw orthognathic surgery with segmentation) affected the shape of the airway in the throat and the position of a bone in the neck (the hyoid bone) both shortly after surgery and in the long term.

They looked at 47 patients who had undergone this surgery and used special imaging technology to measure any changes before and after surgery. On average, the short-term review was done about 6 months after surgery, and the long-term review was done about 26 months after surgery.

They found that shortly after surgery, the upper part of the throat (nasopharynx) was slightly smaller, but the lower part of the throat (oropharynx) was slightly larger. The minimum width of the oropharynx was also smaller. The hyoid bone moved towards the back and up, but only the backward movement was significant.

However, these changes did not last in the long term. In the long-term review, there were no significant changes in the shape of the throat or the position of the hyoid bone. They also found no significant differences in patients who had additional chin surgery (genioplasty advancement).

In simple terms, the surgery led to some short-term changes in the throat and the position of a neck bone, but these changes did not last in the long term.

FAQs

  1. What was the main focus of the research study on 2-jaw orthognathic surgery with segmentation?
  2. What were the short-term and long-term effects of the surgery on the shape of the airway in the throat and the position of the hyoid bone?
  3. Were there any significant changes noted in patients who had undergone additional chin surgery along with the 2-jaw orthognathic surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about jaw surgery is to be prepared for short-term changes in the shape of the airway and the position of the hyoid bone in the neck. These changes may not last in the long term, so it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider regularly to monitor any potential changes and address any concerns. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up appointments are essential for a successful recovery and optimal results.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for jaw surgery are those with severe dental and skeletal abnormalities, such as class III deformity, which refers to a condition where the lower jaw protrudes significantly beyond the upper jaw. These abnormalities can affect a person’s bite, facial symmetry, and overall appearance. Jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is recommended for patients who have difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing due to these abnormalities.

In the study mentioned above, patients who underwent 2-jaw orthognathic surgery with segmentation were found to have some short-term changes in the shape of the throat and the position of the hyoid bone in the neck. However, these changes did not persist in the long term.

Overall, jaw surgery may be recommended for patients with severe dental and skeletal abnormalities that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. It can improve bite function, facial aesthetics, and overall quality of life for these patients. It is important for patients to consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine if they are candidates for jaw surgery and to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery, a patient typically undergoes a consultation with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss their concerns and determine if surgery is necessary. They may also undergo orthodontic treatment to align their teeth in preparation for surgery.

After the decision is made to proceed with jaw surgery, the patient will undergo the surgical procedure, which may involve cutting and repositioning the jaw bones. The recovery period can vary but usually involves swelling, bruising, and discomfort for a few weeks. The patient will need to follow a soft diet and practice good oral hygiene to prevent infection.

In the short term, the patient may experience changes in their facial appearance as the swelling goes down and the jaw bones heal. They may also experience changes in their bite and speech as they adjust to the new position of their jaws.

In the long term, the patient will continue to see improvements in their facial appearance as the bones fully heal and settle into their new positions. They may also experience improvements in their bite, speech, and overall function of their jaw.

Overall, jaw surgery can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life by improving their appearance, function, and confidence. It is important for patients to follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a successful outcome.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about jaw surgery based on this research paper include:

  1. What specific type of jaw surgery will I be undergoing and how will it affect the shape of my airway and the position of my hyoid bone?
  2. What can I expect in terms of short-term changes in the shape of my throat and the position of my hyoid bone after surgery?
  3. Will these changes be long-lasting or are they only temporary?
  4. Are there any additional procedures, such as genioplasty advancement, that I should consider in conjunction with the jaw surgery?
  5. How will the surgery impact my overall breathing and swallowing function?
  6. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this type of jaw surgery?
  7. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care plan following the surgery?
  8. Will I need any follow-up appointments or imaging studies to monitor the long-term effects of the surgery on my airway and hyoid bone position?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options or approaches to consider for my specific dental and skeletal abnormalities?
  10. What are the expected outcomes and success rates for this type of jaw surgery in patients with similar conditions to mine?

Reference

Authors: Tan SK, Tang ATH, Leung WK, Zwahlen RA. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2019 Jul;30(5):1533-1538. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000005351. PMID: 31299761