Our Summary

This research paper discusses a study that was conducted at James Cook University Hospital on patients who had undergone orthognathic surgery, a procedure to correct conditions of the jaw and face related to structure, growth, sleep apnea, TMJ disorders, malocclusion problems owing to skeletal disharmonies, or other orthodontic problems. The study recorded the number of patients who had to have the plates used in the surgery removed.

Out of 202 patients, 3.2% had their plates removed, with more plates being removed from the lower jaw (mandible) than the upper jaw (maxilla). 10.4% of patients needed at least one plate removed, mostly within the first year after the surgery. The most common reasons for removing the plates were exposure of the plate and infection. These findings are similar to what other studies on this topic have found.

FAQs

  1. What is orthognathic surgery and what conditions does it correct?
  2. What were the most common reasons for plate removal after orthognathic surgery according to the study at James Cook University Hospital?
  3. What percentage of patients needed at least one plate removed after orthognathic surgery according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about jaw surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the surgical area clean and avoiding certain activities that could put pressure on the jaw. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and address any concerns that may arise. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene and following a soft diet as recommended by the surgeon can help promote successful healing and reduce the risk of complications such as infection.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended jaw surgery include those with severe malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth and jaws), facial asymmetry, difficulty chewing or speaking, sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and other orthodontic problems that cannot be corrected with braces or other non-surgical treatments.

Orthognathic surgery may also be recommended for patients with congenital conditions such as cleft palate or craniofacial syndromes, as well as those who have experienced trauma to the face or jaw. Additionally, patients with severe jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty opening and closing their mouth may benefit from jaw surgery to improve their quality of life.

Overall, jaw surgery is typically recommended for patients who have significant functional or aesthetic concerns related to their jaw and facial structure, and for whom non-surgical treatment options have not been successful in addressing these issues. It is important for patients to consult with a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine if jaw surgery is the best course of treatment for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  • Patient consults with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss the need for orthognathic surgery
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to determine their suitability for surgery
  • Patient discusses treatment plan, risks, and benefits with the surgeon
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient prepares for the procedure, including making necessary arrangements for recovery and aftercare

After jaw surgery:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to correct jaw and facial structure
  • Patient is monitored closely in the hospital for the immediate post-operative period
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and difficulty eating and speaking in the days following surgery
  • Patient follows post-operative care instructions, including medication, diet restrictions, and physical therapy
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and address any complications or concerns
  • Patient may need to have plates removed if complications arise, such as exposure of the plate or infection
  • Patient continues with orthodontic treatment to achieve optimal results in jaw alignment and function
  • Patient eventually experiences improved facial aesthetics, bite alignment, and overall quality of life as a result of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with jaw surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after jaw surgery?
  3. Will I need to have the plates used in the surgery removed at some point?
  4. What is the likelihood of needing the plates removed and what are the reasons for removal?
  5. How soon after the surgery might I need to have the plates removed?
  6. What is the process for removing the plates and what are the potential risks involved?
  7. Will removing the plates affect the outcome of the surgery or the stability of my jaw?
  8. Are there any long-term effects or complications associated with having the plates removed?
  9. How will removing the plates impact my overall health and well-being?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or options available if I choose not to have the plates removed in the future?

Reference

Authors: Little M, Langford RJ, Bhanji A, Farr D. Journal: J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2015 Nov;43(9):1705-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jcms.2015.07.010. Epub 2015 Jul 31. PMID: 26325615