Orthognathic returns to theatre

The objectives of this retrospective study were to determine the unexpected return-to-theatre rate for orthognathic surgery at James Cook University Hospital and describe the reasons for return. A total of 357 consecutive orthognathic cases under two consultants over a 13-year period were included. Patients who had an unexpected return to theatre were identified and their notes analysed for data including preoperative dentofacial discrepancy, surgical movement, and reason for return. Returns to theatre for the removal of plates and planned procedures such as removal of a distractor or delayed genioplasty, were excluded. Thirteen patients required reoperation (3.6%). The commonest reason for return was malocclusion, and the majority returned within four weeks of the initial procedure. Proportionally more men returned to theatre than women, and revision was more likely to involve the mandible than the maxilla.