Management of chronic neuropathic pain following mandibular advancement surgery

This report highlights the management of a rare complication, namely allodynia, which arose following mandibular advancement surgery. A 56-year-old female underwent bilateral sagittal ramus advancement osteotomy. Postoperatively, she developed allodynia corresponding to the distribution of the left inferior alveolar nerve. A hierarchical pathway of topical and pharmacological agents followed by ablative techniques was used without success. Eventually, electrical neuromodulation via a motor cortex stimulator was implemented to manage the symptoms. The report serves to outline treatment options available and the risks associated with this treatment.