Our Summary

This study looked at changes in a particular part of the jaw, called the glenoid fossa, after a type of jaw surgery known as bimaxillary surgery. The research included people who had problems with jaw growth and who had the surgery at a Danish hospital between 2012 and 2017. The researchers divided the participants into two groups: those who experienced a condition called postoperative condylar resorption, where the jawbone erodes after surgery, and those who did not.

They used a special type of scan to measure changes in the shape of the glenoid fossa two years after surgery, dividing it into four areas for detailed study. They found significant changes in the shape of the glenoid fossa after surgery, particularly in the front part of the fossa. Furthermore, the change was greater in those patients who had postoperative condylar resorption.

In simpler terms, this study found that the shape of a specific part of the jaw changes after a certain kind of jaw surgery, more so in patients where part of the jawbone erodes after the operation.

FAQs

  1. What is the focus of this study about orthognathic surgery?
  2. What were the significant findings of this study about changes in the jaw after bimaxillary surgery?
  3. What is postoperative condylar resorption and how does it affect the outcome of bimaxillary surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about orthognathic surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully to reduce the risk of complications such as postoperative condylar resorption. This may include following a specific diet, practicing good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments as recommended. It’s important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider to address them promptly.

Suitable For

Orthognathic surgery is typically recommended for patients who have jaw misalignment, facial asymmetry, difficulty chewing or speaking, breathing problems, or sleep apnea. It is often recommended for patients with conditions such as underbite, overbite, open bite, crossbite, or protruding jaw. Additionally, orthognathic surgery may be recommended for patients who have experienced trauma to the jaw or have a congenital jaw deformity.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes consultation and evaluation with an orthodontist and oral surgeon to determine the need for surgery.
  2. Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment is often necessary to align the teeth and prepare the jaw for surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes various tests and imaging studies to plan the surgery, including X-rays, CT scans, and models of the teeth and jaw.
  4. Surgery date is scheduled, and pre-operative instructions are given to the patient.

After orthognathic surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgery, which typically involves repositioning the jaw bones to improve function and aesthetics.
  2. Patient is monitored closely in the hospital for a few days after surgery to manage pain and ensure proper healing.
  3. Patient may experience swelling, bruising, and difficulty eating and speaking in the days and weeks following surgery.
  4. Follow-up appointments with the orthodontist and oral surgeon are scheduled to monitor healing and adjust the orthodontic treatment as needed.
  5. Full recovery can take several months, during which time the patient may experience changes in jaw function and appearance as the bones heal and settle into their new positions.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about orthognathic surgery include:

  1. What specific type of jaw surgery is recommended for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during the healing period?
  4. Will I need to follow a special diet or make any lifestyle changes before or after surgery?
  5. What kind of follow-up care will be necessary after the surgery?
  6. How will the surgery affect my facial appearance and overall function of my jaw?
  7. Are there alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  8. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or treatments in conjunction with the jaw surgery?
  9. How many of these surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  10. Can you provide me with any before-and-after photos of patients who have undergone similar surgeries?

Reference

Authors: Holte MB, Nielsen TW, Sæderup H, Pinholt EM. Journal: J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2022 Jun;80(6):1007-1017. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2022.01.014. Epub 2022 Jan 26. PMID: 35189086