Bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) is commonly used to treat jaw deformities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the postoperative course of patients that underwent SSRO from before operation to fiveyearsafteroperation.
A total of 41 female patients with jaw deformities underwent SSRO and their masticatory functions and neurosensory recovery were examined with appropriate indicators pre-and posto-peratively. The control group consisted of 24 females with individual normal occlusion assessed as having normal masticatory function.
The skeletal stability was well maintained for five years after the operation.
The result was that masticatory function following orthognathic surgery showed a decline at one month after surgery, but gradually improved. Especially, the values of occlusal contact area and occlusal force reached the maximum level at four years after surgery. There were no significant differences between the levels of the patients and control subjects three to five years after surgery. The score of the Helkimo index for temporomandibular dysfunctions at one year after surgery was lower than that before surgery. However, this score increased from three years after surgery.
The S-W sensory test was used for clinical sensory testing of the lower labiomental area, and differences in degree of sensory disturbance were statistically analyzed. Most patients experienced a marked sensory disturbance in the immediate postoperative period. These symptoms dramatically improved within one year after surgery. However, the result showed that recovery of sensation tended to be limited to within one year after surgery.
