Our Summary
This research paper investigates how successful a specific type of jaw surgery is in the long term. The surgery, known as Le Fort I osteotomy, is used to correct a type of bite misalignment called skeletal Class III, which is when the lower jaw is too far forward compared to the upper jaw.
The researchers examined X-rays of 46 patients, taken at different stages before and after surgery. They compared the angle of the upper jaw in relation to the rest of the skull (known as the maxillary occlusal plane or MXOP) in these images. They divided the patients into two groups based on how much their MXOP changed after surgery.
The findings showed that patients whose MXOP was rotated more during surgery (clockwise rotation) were more likely to experience a relapse (counterclockwise rotation) after surgery. This means that the more the upper jaw was shifted during surgery, the more it tended to shift back toward its original position afterwards. The researchers concluded that the more the upper jaw is rotated during this type of surgery, the greater the chance of the jaw relapsing back to its original position.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the Le Fort I osteotomy surgery?
- How was the success of the Le Fort I osteotomy measured in the research study?
- What does the research suggest about the correlation between the amount of jaw rotation during surgery and the chance of the jaw reverting back to its original position?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about jaw surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery and minimize the risk of relapse. This may include following a specific diet, avoiding certain activities, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene and wearing any prescribed orthodontic appliances as directed can also help optimize the results of jaw surgery.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for jaw surgery include those who have bite misalignments such as skeletal Class III, where the lower jaw is too far forward compared to the upper jaw. These patients may experience difficulties with chewing, speaking, and overall facial aesthetics. In addition, patients with severe jaw pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, and facial trauma may also be recommended for jaw surgery.
It is important for patients considering jaw surgery to consult with a maxillofacial surgeon or orthodontist to determine if they are suitable candidates for the procedure. They will take into consideration the patient’s medical history, overall health, and severity of the jaw misalignment before recommending surgery. Additionally, patients should be aware of the potential risks and benefits of jaw surgery and understand the long-term outcomes, such as the possibility of relapse as seen in the study on Le Fort I osteotomy.
Timeline
Before jaw surgery, a patient typically undergoes a series of consultations with their oral and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes. They may also undergo orthodontic treatment to align their teeth properly before surgery.
During the surgery itself, the patient is placed under general anesthesia, and the surgeon makes incisions inside the mouth to access the jawbone. The jawbone is then reshaped and repositioned as needed to correct the bite misalignment. The incisions are closed with dissolvable stitches, and the patient is monitored closely in the recovery room before being discharged home.
In the immediate post-operative period, the patient will experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the jaw area. They will need to follow a liquid or soft food diet for several weeks and take pain medication as prescribed. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon will be scheduled to monitor healing and make any necessary adjustments.
Over the following months, the patient’s jaw will gradually heal and the swelling will decrease. They may continue with orthodontic treatment to fine-tune their bite alignment. It can take several months to a year for the full results of the surgery to be apparent.
In the long term, the patient will need to maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular check-ups with their oral and maxillofacial surgeon to monitor the stability of the jaw position. Some patients may require additional orthodontic treatment or further surgery if relapse occurs.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about jaw surgery include:
- What type of jaw surgery is recommended for my specific condition?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
- How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
- Will I need braces before or after the surgery to correct my bite alignment?
- What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of improving my bite alignment and overall facial appearance?
- How long will the results of the surgery last, and is there a possibility of relapse?
- Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of jaw surgery?
- What is the success rate of this specific type of jaw surgery in the long term?
- How experienced is the surgical team in performing this type of surgery?
- Will I need any additional follow-up appointments or treatments after the surgery to monitor my progress and prevent relapse?
Reference
Authors: Kang SY, Kim YH, Baek SH, Kim DW, Shin JW, Chae HS. Journal: Orthod Craniofac Res. 2023 May;26(2):207-215. doi: 10.1111/ocr.12601. Epub 2022 Aug 25. PMID: 36054615