Evaluation of the temporomandibular disorders after orthognathic surgeries: a review

Abstract

Objective: Maxillofacial Orthognathic surgery is performed to repair or correct the skeletal anomalies of the jaw and its associated dental and facial structures. There is a conflict on whether orthognathic surgery has a negative or positive effect on temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The aim of this study is to review the disorders of the temporomandibular joint after orthognathic surgery. Materials and Methods: Data for this review was obtained from the articles published be- tween 2010-2020 via PubMed, Google scholar, Web of Sciences, and Scopus engines. The content keywords matched those used in PubMed and Mesh engines. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria; 27 articles were included. Results: Most of the selected articles were retrospective reviews and performed on class II and class III patients. Ages ranged from 19- 47 years. Pain reduction was reported in 11 studies, while 8 studies reported a click reduction post orthognathic operation. In 2 studies, decreased joint noises was reported after orthognathic operation, and 7 articles reported a decrease in maximum mouth opening. Three studies reported a Bilateral Sagittal split Osteotomy (BSSO) and in one study, re- duced and improved symptoms after Le Fort I + (BSSO) were reported. One study exhibited that BSSO orthognathic surgery is less predictable in reducing TMD symptoms in retrognathic patients. Three articles showed that orthognathic patients with TMJ click have a high predictive value. Conclusion: To accomplish accurate results regarding temporomandibular joint disorders post orthognathic surgery; a larger number of subjects and clinical trial studies are required, as well as extended long term follow-up.