Our Summary
This research paper looks at the impact of age on the chances of complications during and after orthognathic surgery, a type of jaw surgery. Researchers looked at information from a database for surgeries done between 2011 and 2019, and compared outcomes for patients who were 40 years or older with those who were younger.
They found that patients 40 years or older were more likely to be classified as having a higher risk for anesthesia complications or to be diagnosed with sleep apnea. However, despite being in the higher risk group, these older patients didn’t seem to experience more complications after surgery than the younger patients.
While factors like being on medication for high blood pressure, the type of procedure, and certain types of osteotomies (bone cutting procedures) were related to complications, older age itself wasn’t. After considering all these factors, a specific type of osteotomy (isolated mandibular osteotomy) was the only thing that predicted complications.
The study also found that older patients stayed a bit longer in the hospital after surgery than younger patients.
In conclusion, even though older patients might have higher risk factors, age alone doesn’t seem to increase the risk of complications after jaw surgery.
FAQs
- Does age increase the risk of complications during and after orthognathic surgery?
- What factors were found to predict complications during and after orthognathic surgery?
- Do older patients tend to stay longer in hospital after an orthognathic surgery than younger patients?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about orthognathic surgery is to ensure they disclose all their medical history, including any medications they are taking and any underlying health conditions, as this information can impact the risk of complications during and after surgery. Additionally, older patients may have a slightly longer hospital stay after surgery, but age itself does not increase the risk of complications. It is important to follow post-operative care instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure a successful recovery.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended orthognathic surgery are those with severe jaw misalignment, facial asymmetry, difficulties with chewing or speaking, sleep apnea, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. These conditions can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life and may require surgical intervention to correct. Orthognathic surgery is often recommended for patients who have completed their growth and development, typically in their late teens or early twenties, but can also be performed on older patients who still have functional and aesthetic concerns related to their jaw alignment.
Timeline
Before orthognathic surgery, a patient typically undergoes a thorough evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, including medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies. This process helps determine the need for surgery and the specific treatment plan.
During the surgery itself, the surgeon will make incisions inside the mouth to access the jawbones. They will then reposition the bones to correct the bite and facial symmetry. The surgery can take several hours and may require an overnight hospital stay.
After surgery, the patient will experience swelling, pain, and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication and a soft diet. Recovery time varies, but most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are necessary to monitor healing and adjust treatment as needed.
Overall, orthognathic surgery can significantly improve facial appearance, bite function, and overall quality of life for patients with jaw abnormalities.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about orthognathic surgery include:
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with orthognathic surgery, and how do my age and overall health factor into these risks?
- Will my age impact the success and effectiveness of the surgery?
- Are there any specific pre-operative tests or evaluations I should undergo due to my age?
- How long can I expect to stay in the hospital after surgery, and how does age play a role in the recovery process?
- Are there any specific post-operative care instructions I should follow based on my age?
- Will my age impact the long-term results of the surgery, such as stability and functionality of my jaw?
- Are there any alternative treatment options I should consider based on my age?
- How many orthognathic surgeries have you performed on patients in my age group, and what has been the overall outcome?
- Can you provide me with information on the specific type of osteotomy that will be performed and how it may impact the risk of complications?
- Are there any lifestyle changes or adjustments I should make before and after surgery to optimize my results, especially considering my age?
Reference
Authors: Lee CC, Wang TT, Caruso DP, Williams R, Peacock ZS. Journal: J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2022 Jun;80(6):996-1006. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2022.01.018. Epub 2022 Feb 2. PMID: 35219636