Various methods for testing sensory disturbance after sagittal splitting ramus osteotomy have been reported, but no standardized testing method exists. In the present investigation, which was conducted at multiple sites, the authors investigated the presence and degree of sensory disturbance after sagittal splitting ramus osteotomy. Identical test apparatuses (Semmes-Weinstein pressure aesthesiometer) were used in the sensory tests. Furthermore, the time of observation, the location measured, and the evaluation method were standardized, in order to compare the data.
The data indicated that the one-week postoperative incidence of sensory disturbance was 43.2%, 72.2%, 62.5%, and 71.4% at hospitals A, B, C, and D, respectively. The total rate of incidence among the four hospitals was 56.5%. It was therefore possible to identify the incidence rate numerically. In addition, by employing Bell's interpretation scale, the degree of sensory disturbance was classifiable.
The standardization of factors, such as test equipment, measurement method, and data evaluation, will increase the accuracy of comparative studies that involve different hospitals and previous reports.
