First bite syndrome after bimaxillary osteotomy: case report

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Bimaxillary osteotomy is a surgical procedure to correct jaw discrepancies.
• Delayed complications after bimaxillary osteotomy are uncommon but can impact patient recovery.
• First bite syndrome is a rare condition characterized by pain upon initiating mastication.

Observation:

• A patient developed symptoms consistent with first bite syndrome weeks after undergoing bimaxillary osteotomy.
• The onset of symptoms was delayed, appearing after the initial recovery period.

Findings:

• This case represents the first documented instance of first bite syndrome as a delayed complication following bimaxillary osteotomy.
• The findings suggest a potential, albeit rare, association between the surgical procedure and the development of this neurological complication.

Implications:

• Awareness of this potential delayed complication is crucial for surgeons performing bimaxillary osteotomies.
• Further investigation may be warranted to understand the underlying mechanisms linking bimaxillary osteotomy to first bite syndrome.
• This case highlights the importance of considering neurological complications in the differential diagnosis of delayed post-operative pain.