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The effect of orthognathic surgery on head posture
C Phillips1, M D Snow, T A Turvey
1Department of Orthodontics, University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, Chapel Hill.
European Journal of Orthodontics
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Orthognathic surgery can alter head posture, causing temporary head flexion after most procedures. However, head posture typically returns to baseline within a year, except in combined maxillary intrusion and mandibular advancement cases.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Craniofacial Anatomy
- Surgical Outcomes Research
Background:
- Orthognathic surgery aims to correct skeletal discrepancies and improve facial aesthetics.
- Understanding the impact of different surgical techniques on head and neck posture is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the short- and long-term effects of five distinct orthognathic surgical procedures on resting head and neck posture.
- To identify specific surgical techniques that may lead to persistent changes in head posture.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 201 patients undergoing one of five orthognathic surgery types.
- Standardized cephalograms in natural head position were taken pre-operatively, immediately post-operatively, and at 1-year follow-up.
- Craniovertical and craniocervical angles were measured to assess head posture.
Main Results:
- Immediate post-surgery, head flexion was observed in all groups except mandibular setback.
- Head posture generally returned to pre-operative levels by 1 year in single-jaw surgery groups.
- Persistent head flexion at 1 year was statistically significant in the combined maxillary intrusion and mandibular advancement group.
Conclusions:
- Orthognathic surgery, particularly combined maxillary intrusion with mandibular advancement, can induce short-term and potentially persistent changes in head posture.
- Neck posture remained largely unaffected by the studied orthognathic procedures.
- Further research may be warranted to explore the long-term implications and management of persistent head flexion post-orthognathic surgery.