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Published on: January 28, 2020
Mandibular hypomobility after orthognathic surgery: a review article.
Fouad A Al-Belasy1, Sinan Tozoglu, M Franklin Dolwick
1Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Almansoura, Ad-Daqahliyah, Egypt.
Summary
Mandibular hypomobility after orthognathic surgery (OGS) is not definitively permanent, and no underlying mechanism has been identified. Further long-term studies are needed to clarify the effects of OGS on jaw movement.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
Background:
- Orthognathic surgery (OGS) is a common procedure for correcting dentofacial deformities.
- Mandibular hypomobility is a potential complication following OGS.
- Understanding the permanence and mechanisms of this hypomobility is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if mandibular hypomobility after OGS is a permanent condition.
- To investigate potential underlying mechanisms contributing to post-OGS hypomobility.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted on Medline and PubMed.
- Included studies involved patients without pre-existing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders undergoing common OGS procedures.
- Excluded were case reports, pilot studies, and reviews; 7 eligible articles were identified from 23 initial findings.
Main Results:
- Two studies indicated permanent decreases in mandibular motion 2 years post-surgery.
- Five studies found no evidence that OGS permanently affects mandibular mobility.
- No specific mechanism for the development of mandibular hypomobility was identified in the reviewed literature.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence is insufficient to conclude whether OGS-induced mandibular hypomobility is permanent.
- There is a need for high-quality, long-term prospective studies with standardized methodologies.
- Future research should focus on homogenous patient groups, consistent surgical techniques, and rigorous follow-up protocols.
