Resolution of neurosensory deficit after mandibular orthognathic surgery: A prospective longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the longitudinal resolution of neurosensory deficit (NSD) and the possible risk factors that might contribute to NSD following mandibular orthognathic procedures. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective longitudinal observational study on patients who had mandibular orthognathic procedures was performed. Standardized neurosensory assessments were performed. The 2 years longitudinal resolution and risk factors of NSD including patients' age and gender, specific mandibular procedures and surgeons' experience were analyzed. RESULTS: 66 patients (44 females) with 132 sides of mandibular procedures were enrolled in the study. Surgical procedures included mandibular ramus surgery, anterior mandibular surgery, or the combination of the two. The overall occurrences of subjective NSD improved from 78.8% at postoperative 2 weeks to 13.8% at post-operative 2 years. Combinations of ramus surgery and anterior mandibular surgery increased the risk of NSD at the first three post-operative months (p < 0.05). Patients' age and gender, and surgeons' experience were not found to be risk factors of NSD after mandibular orthognathic surgery. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of NSD after mandibular orthognathic procedures reduced progressively within the post-operative 2 years. Combination of mandibular ramus surgery and anterior mandibular surgery increased the risk of NSD in the early post-operative period.