Temporomandibular joint symptoms in orthognathic surgery

Pre and postoperative TMJ-symptoms were observed in the various dentofacial deformities of 480 patients operated on because of a dysgnathia. Preoperative TMJ-symptoms were seen in 16.2% of the 480 patients. After surgery 66% of the preoperatively symptomatic patients reported fewer or no TMJ-symptoms. On the other hand 11.5% of preoperatively asymptomatic patients developed TMJ-symptoms after surgery. Although not statistically proven, a tendency was seen to more TMJ-symptoms in low and normal angle patients in comparison with high angle patients. The chance is high, however, that TMJ-symptoms in low and normal angle mandibular retrognathism patients will improve after surgery. The chance of developing TMJ-symptoms in high angle, absolute mandibular retrognathism patients, operated on by means of bimaxillary surgery, is considerable.