Electroacupuncture Protocol for Sensory and Motor Function Recovery After Orthognathic Surgery: a Randomized Clinical...

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Background:

• Orthognathic surgery corrects facial deformities but can cause neurosensory deficits.
• Electroacupuncture shows promise in enhancing post-surgical sensory and motor recovery.
• Research on electroacupuncture for traumatic facial injuries is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture in restoring neurosensory and orofacial motor function post-orthognathic surgery.
• To compare outcomes between physiotherapy alone and physiotherapy combined with electroacupuncture.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial involving patients undergoing bimaxillary orthognathic surgery and genioplasty.
• Participants were assigned to either a physiotherapy (PT) group or a physiotherapy plus electroacupuncture (PTEA) group for six weeks.
• Assessments included sensitivity, edema, range of motion, muscle pain/fatigue, and chewing function, with follow-ups at three and six months.

Main Results:

• Sensitivity was measured using the SMILE Sensitivity Test-BAURU kit.
• Edema was assessed using the MD Anderson Cancer Center Head and Neck Lymphedema protocol.
• Orofacial motor function, pain, and chewing quality were evaluated using standardized questionnaires and objective measures.

Conclusions:

• This study aims to provide robust clinical evidence on electroacupuncture's role in post-orthognathic surgery recovery.
• Findings could inform treatment protocols for improving sensory and motor function after facial reconstructive procedures.
• The research addresses a gap in understanding electroacupuncture's application in this patient population.