Effect of orthognathic surgery for class III correction on quality of life as measured by SF-36

A selection of abstracts of clinically relevant papers from other journals. The abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by Dr Trevor Watts.

Abstract

There were definite improvements in quality of life (QoL) for patients receiving such surgery.

Main

Nicodemo D, Pereira MD et al. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2008; 37: 131–134

Improved QoL is one of the objectives of orthognathic surgery. This study reports on 29 consecutive patients (aged 17-40 yrs; -ve overjet of 4+ mm) who had received initial orthodontic preparation for 12-18 months. Patients were interviewed in the 30 days before surgery, and 6 months after, using the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) validated for Brazil.

In respect of routine task performance, mood and other feelings, pain and self-perceived general health, no difference was observed after surgery. In respect of degree of vitality for daily tasks, males and females improved significantly; significant emotional improvements were seen in females only; and in relation to physical health effects on activity, and social activities, improvements were seen in all patients.