Facial palsy after orthognathic surgery: An integrative analysis of literature reports and an illustrative case
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2025
Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
Tatiane Fonseca Faro1, Joana de Ângelis Alves Silva2, Gustavo José de Luna Campos3
1DDS, MSc, PhD - Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
Background:
To describe a case of a patient with PFP after orthognathic surgery and discuss cases reports on temporary or permanent facial paralysis, factors that trigger injury, and treatment for facial paralysis associated with orthognathic surgery.
Material And Methods:
This study has two parts: a report of the case of a 20- year-old man who underwent orthognathic surgery for facial paralysis, and an integrative literature review on postoperative facial paralysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statements and performed survival analyses of all cases reported to date.
Results:
The analysis was composed of 33 patients; 54,5% were male (mean age, 25 years). The right side was most affected by PFP (54.5%). Mandibular (48.5%) and bimaxillary (36.4%) surgeries were the most frequently performed procedures; the mandibular movements ranged from 1 to 18 mm (right side) and 2 to 18 mm (left side). The hypotheses regarding the possible causes of PFP differed between the selected studies. However, compression of the facial nerves was the most common. The use of steroids and physiotherapy were the most described treatment plans. The follow-up period ranged from 1.5 to 36 months (average, 6.12 months), and 78.7% of the patients had complete remission.
Conclusions:
Although rare, PFP after orthognathic surgery is one of the most serious complications, as it reduces the quality of life and social interaction of the patients. Therefore, early evaluation should be considered immediately in the postoperative period in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. There presently is no consensus on the management protocol and establishing a systematization can be beneficial for patients with PFP. Key words:Facial palsy, facial paralysis, sagittal split ramus osteotomy, orthognathic surgery, complication, nerve damage.
