Our Summary

This research paper studies how a type of surgery, called Orthognathic Surgery (OGS), can be used to correct deformities in the face that occur after a traumatic injury. These deformities can happen due to poor management of the original injury, no management at all, or unexpectedly even when the injury has been well managed.

The researchers looked at the medical records of patients who had OGS after facial trauma between 2010 and 2018. They collected information about the patient’s injury, what caused it, how long it took for the deformity to appear, why they think the deformity occurred, what was done to correct it, and how successful the surgery was.

They found 27 patients who fit their criteria and divided them into two groups: those who had deformities caused by the trauma (18 patients) and those who had deformities that were already present before the injury but got worse because of it (9 patients). They further divided these groups based on whether the OGS was done as the first treatment after the injury or later on as a secondary treatment.

The researchers concluded that OGS can be a very useful tool in treating facial deformities after trauma. They suggest that doctors should always consider it as an option, either as the first treatment or as a follow-up treatment. They hope that the categories they identified in this study will help others understand when and where OGS can be used in treating facial trauma.

FAQs

  1. What is Orthognathic Surgery and what is it used for?
  2. How did the researchers categorize the patients in their study on Orthognathic Surgery?
  3. According to the research, when should doctors consider using Orthognathic Surgery in treating facial trauma?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about orthognathic surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include recommendations for pain management, dietary restrictions, activity limitations, and follow-up appointments. It’s important to communicate any concerns or complications to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for orthognathic surgery include those with:

  1. Severe misalignment of the upper and lower jaws (malocclusion)
  2. Difficulty chewing or biting
  3. Speech problems
  4. Breathing problems
  5. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
  6. Facial asymmetry
  7. Sleep apnea
  8. Chronic jaw pain
  9. Open bite or crossbite
  10. Protruding or receding jaw
  11. Cleft lip and palate deformities

Orthognathic surgery is often recommended for patients who have tried other treatments such as braces or orthodontic appliances but have not seen significant improvement in their condition. It is important for patients considering orthognathic surgery to consult with a maxillofacial surgeon to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  1. Patient sustains a traumatic injury to the face, resulting in facial deformities.
  2. Deformities may worsen over time if not managed properly.
  3. Patient undergoes evaluation by a maxillofacial surgeon to determine the extent of the deformities and the need for orthognathic surgery.
  4. Preoperative planning and preparation, including imaging studies and consultations with other healthcare professionals, are conducted.
  5. Patient undergoes preoperative orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and jaws in preparation for surgery.

After orthognathic surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes orthognathic surgery to correct the facial deformities, which may involve repositioning the upper jaw, lower jaw, or both.
  2. Postoperative recovery period, which may include pain management, swelling, and dietary restrictions.
  3. Patient may require postoperative orthodontic treatment to further align the teeth and jaws.
  4. Follow-up appointments with the maxillofacial surgeon and orthodontist to monitor progress and ensure proper healing.
  5. Patient experiences improved facial aesthetics, function, and overall quality of life as a result of the orthognathic surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What specific deformity or issue will the orthognathic surgery address?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with orthognathic surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care needed?
  4. How long will the effects of the surgery last?
  5. Are there alternative treatments or procedures that could achieve similar results?
  6. How experienced is the surgeon in performing orthognathic surgery?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  8. Will there be any long-term effects or changes to my facial structure?
  9. What are the potential benefits and outcomes of orthognathic surgery in my specific case?
  10. How should I prepare for the surgery, both physically and mentally?

Reference

Authors: Bhandari K, Ho CT, Liao HT. Journal: Ann Plast Surg. 2023 Apr 1;90(1 Suppl 1):S10-S18. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000003349. Epub 2023 Jan 18. PMID: 36752492