[Temporomandibular joint symptoms in orthognathic surgery: a retrospective study]

The records of 152 consecutive patients who underwent orthognathic surgery in the Division of Maxillofacial Surgery A.Z. St.-Jan, Brugge, between 1/10/90 and 1/10/91 were evaluated for pre- and postoperative temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms. Fewer TMJ symptoms were found postoperatively, than preoperatively (14.4% versus 19.7%). In the mandibular retrognathism group there were twice as much TMJ symptoms preoperatively in the low and normal mandibular angle patient group than in the high mandibular angle group (26% versus 13%). After surgery, there was a decrease of TMJ symptoms in the low and normal angle patient group (83% improvement). In the high angle absolute mandibular retrognathism group however, more new TMJ symptoms were seen postoperatively (21%). Bimaxillary surgical correction of a high angle absolute mandibular retrognathism case may provoke condylar resorption. Advice for follow-up and suggestions to reduce this annoying complication are given.