Our Summary

This research examined previous studies on condylar resorption (CR), a condition where the jaw joint bone breaks down. The aim was to understand if there’s a link between CR and orthognathic surgery (OS), a type of jaw surgery. Using specific guidelines for reviewing studies, the researchers found 143 studies, but only 10 met their criteria for a detailed look. They found that young women with certain jaw characteristics are more likely to get CR after OS. The surgery type most often linked with CR was a complex procedure involving both the upper and lower jaw bones. The researchers recommend caution and modified surgical techniques for patients at high risk of developing CR. They also noted more research is needed to understand if OS or the way medical devices are used during surgery could increase the risk of CR.

FAQs

  1. What is the relationship between condylar resorption and orthognathic surgery according to the research?
  2. Who is most likely to develop condylar resorption after orthognathic surgery?
  3. What recommendations do the researchers make for patients at high risk of developing condylar resorption?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about orthognathic surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions closely, including proper jaw exercises and a soft diet to promote healing and prevent complications such as condylar resorption. It is important to attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your recovery progress and address any concerns promptly. Additionally, discussing any potential risk factors for CR with your surgeon before surgery can help in developing a personalized treatment plan to minimize these risks.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for orthognathic surgery include:

  1. Individuals with severe misalignment of the jaws, leading to difficulty with chewing, speaking, or breathing.
  2. Patients with skeletal discrepancies in the upper and lower jaws, such as an overbite or underbite.
  3. Those with facial asymmetry caused by skeletal abnormalities in the jaw bones.
  4. Individuals with obstructive sleep apnea due to a narrow airway caused by jaw misalignment.
  5. Patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders that have not responded to conservative treatments.
  6. Individuals with significant facial trauma or congenital abnormalities affecting the jaw structure.

Overall, orthognathic surgery is recommended for patients who have functional or aesthetic concerns related to their jaw alignment and structure that cannot be addressed through non-surgical treatments. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to determine if they are good candidates for orthognathic surgery.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  • Patient undergoes a consultation with an orthodontist and oral surgeon to determine if surgery is necessary
  • Patient may undergo pre-surgical orthodontic treatment to align teeth
  • Patient undergoes pre-surgical evaluations such as imaging and dental impressions
  • Patient may need to adjust their diet and medications leading up to surgery

After orthognathic surgery:

  • Patient will experience swelling, pain, and discomfort in the days following surgery
  • Patient will be on a liquid or soft food diet for a period of time
  • Patient will attend follow-up appointments with their surgical team to monitor healing progress
  • Patient may undergo post-surgical orthodontic treatment to finalize the alignment of teeth
  • Patient will need to maintain good oral hygiene and follow post-operative care instructions provided by their surgical team.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with orthognathic surgery, including condylar resorption?
  2. How likely am I to develop condylar resorption after undergoing orthognathic surgery?
  3. Are there any specific characteristics of my jaw that may increase the risk of developing condylar resorption?
  4. What steps can be taken during surgery to minimize the risk of condylar resorption?
  5. Are there alternative treatment options to orthognathic surgery that may be safer for me?
  6. How will condylar resorption be diagnosed and treated if it occurs after orthognathic surgery?
  7. What is the success rate of treating condylar resorption that occurs after orthognathic surgery?
  8. How often will follow-up appointments be needed after surgery to monitor for condylar resorption?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to reduce the risk of condylar resorption after orthognathic surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with more information or resources on condylar resorption and its relationship to orthognathic surgery?

Reference

Authors: AlMofreh AlQahtani F, Othman A, Elsayed S, Jaber M, Kuriadom S. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2023 Sep 1;34(6):1807-1812. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000009382. Epub 2023 Jun 20. PMID: 37337336