Perception of outcome after orthognathic surgery at Jordan university hospital

ABSTRACT

To study the motives for seeking orthognathic surgery at the Jordan University Hospital and evaluate patients' satisfaction with the treatment. 54 patients underwent orthognathic surgery between October 2002 and October 2007. Data were collected through a questionnaire consisting of 30 questions. Questions were divided into sections; motivation for seeking orthognathic treatment, pre-operative counseling, treatment outcome, satisfaction with outcome and quality of life. The sample included 43 females [79.6%] and 11 males [21.4%], with a mean age at the time of study of 25.4 years. The most common reason for this type of treatment was to improve facial appearance [55.6%], function and appearance combined [11.1%], pain [11.1%] and function alone was responsible for 7.4% of the cases. Females and younger patients were more likely to seek treatment for esthetic reasons and the difference was statistically significant [P = 0.04 and 0.005, respectively]. The most unpleasant component of treatment was intermaxillary fixation, followed by the pre-operative fear and anxiety and postoperative recovery. Almost all patients complained of a postoperative sequel sensory deficit, pain, depression and facial swelling were the most common. However, 94.4% were satisfied with the overall results, with 87% reporting better facial appearance and 53.7% reported improved chewing. Esthetic improvement is the major cause for patients seeking surgery, pre-operative counseling has an important role in patients satisfaction. Orthognathic surgery has a positive impact on patients'quality of life