Factors of Importance for the Functional Outcome in Orthognathic Surgery Patients: A Prospective Study of 118 Patients

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of orthognathic surgery on patients' stomatognathic function and, further, to evaluate how post-treatment function relates to satisfaction. A total of 118 adult patients (51 men and 67 women) who were treated with orthognathic surgery were examined before and a minimum of 12 months after the surgical intervention. The stomatognathic function was evaluated with Helkimo's Anamnestic and Clinical Dysfunction index. The former was also used to assess a control group of 47 individuals with the same age and gender distribution and with no history of or present need for orthodontic treatment. A total of 76 patients (64.4%) reported severe dysfunction at the beginning of the treatment, and 24 patients (20.3%) reported severe dysfunction at the end of the treatment. Clinical assessment showed that 36 patients (30.5%) had severe dysfunction symptoms upon inclusion versus only 5 (4.2%) at the final examination. However, 3 patients (2.5%) without clinical dysfunction at the time of inclusion developed mild dysfunction during treatment, and 8 patients (6.8%) developed increased dysfunction during treatment. The patients' functional status after treatment and their degree of satisfaction with the treatment were positively correlated. Although a general improvement was verified, the functional status of those who were treated never reached that of the control group. This study indicates that orthognathic surgery improves patients' stomatognathic function in most cases, and that patients' satisfaction correlated with perceived, reported, and measured function at the end of the treatment.