Our Summary

This study examined complications that can happen during and after orthognathic surgery (surgery 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) done by trainee surgeons. The researchers looked at patients’ medical records from 2005 to 2014 to identify any problems during surgery such as bad split, bleeding, and tissue injury, or after surgery like loss of sensation, infection, or issues with the bone fixation systems.

The study included 250 patients who were followed up for an average of 13 months. About 60% of them were women and 40% were men. Nearly 19% of these patients experienced some sort of complication during or after surgery. However, if we discount issues related to relapse and problems with the orthodontic device, the complication rate drops to around 12%. Complications during surgery were seen in 8% of patients, and 10% had issues after surgery.

Only changes in sensation were linked to the surgery on the lower jaw. The study concludes that orthognathic surgery done by trainee surgeons is relatively safe and has a low risk of complications.

FAQs

  1. What is orthognathic surgery and why is it performed?
  2. What percentage of patients experience complications during or after orthognathic surgery done by trainee surgeons?
  3. What types of complications can occur during or after orthognathic surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about jaw surgery is to carefully follow post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon. This may include avoiding certain foods, taking prescribed medications, and attending follow-up appointments. It is important to communicate any concerns or changes in your condition to your healthcare provider promptly to ensure proper healing and recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for jaw surgery include those with severe malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth and jaws), facial asymmetry, sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, or other skeletal disharmonies. These patients may have difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing properly due to the structural issues in their jaw and face. Orthodontists and oral surgeons will evaluate the patient’s condition and determine if jaw surgery is necessary to correct these issues.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes consultations with orthodontist and oral surgeon to discuss treatment options.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-surgical orthodontic treatment to prepare the teeth and jaws for surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-surgical testing and evaluations to ensure they are a good candidate for surgery.

During jaw surgery:

  1. Patient is put under general anesthesia.
  2. Surgeon makes incisions in the jawbone to reposition it.
  3. Surgeon may use plates, screws, or wires to stabilize the jaw in its new position.
  4. Surgery can take several hours depending on the complexity of the case.
  5. Patient is monitored closely during and after surgery for any complications.

After jaw surgery:

  1. Patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the days following surgery.
  2. Patient will need to follow a liquid or soft food diet for a period of time.
  3. Patient will have follow-up appointments with the surgeon and orthodontist to monitor healing and adjust treatment as needed.
  4. Patient may need to wear elastics or other orthodontic appliances to continue aligning the teeth and jaws.
  5. Patient may experience changes in sensation, such as numbness or tingling, in the jaw and face.
  6. Full recovery from jaw surgery can take several months, during which time the patient will need to follow post-operative care instructions closely.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of jaw surgery do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this type of surgery?
  3. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  4. What is the success rate for this type of surgery in patients with similar conditions to mine?
  5. How long is the recovery period after jaw surgery?
  6. Will I need to follow a specific diet or oral care routine after surgery?
  7. How long will I need to be off work or school after jaw surgery?
  8. Will I need to wear braces before or after surgery?
  9. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with jaw surgery?

Reference

Authors: Olate S, Sigua E, Asprino L, de Moraes M. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2018 Mar;29(2):e158-e161. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000004238. PMID: 29303850