Neuropathic Pain Following Sagittal Split Ramus Osteotomies of the Mandible: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Course

Abstract

Neuropathic pain (NPP) is characterized by paradoxical pain and abnormal sensory function following sensory nerve injury. NPP has been reported as a complication of many surgical procedures including sagittal split ramus osteotomies (SSRO) of the mandible.1 While studies have examined the prevalence of and risk factors for NPP following thoracic, abdominal, gastrointestinal and gynecologic surgeries, there is limited knowledge about NPP following SSRO of the mandible. Prevalence estimates have ranged from 5-10%, but these have been derived from just a few small case series.2 Our current understanding of NPP following SSRO has been further limited by the methodologic heterogeneity of studies and a lack of consensus regarding the characteristics of NPP. Therefore we sought to identify the prevalence of, risk factors for, and clinical course of NPP following SSRO in a large group of patients.