COMPLICATIONS OF BSSO

 

• Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy (BSSO) is a surgical procedure used in orthognathic surgery to correct various types of jaw discrepancies, such as overbites and underbites. 
• While BSSO can greatly improve a patient's bite and facial aesthetics, like any surgical procedure, it carries some potential complications. 
• It's essential to be aware of these complications when considering orthognathic surgery.

• Here are some of the possible complications associated with BSSO:
• Nerve Injury: One of the most significant potential complications is injury to the inferior alveolar nerve, which provides sensation to the lower lip, chin, and teeth. Nerve damage can result in numbness, tingling, or altered sensation in these areas, which may be temporary or, in rare cases, permanent.
• Infection: Infection can occur in the surgical sites, leading to pain, swelling, and the need for additional treatment, such as antibiotics.
• Hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery can occur. It may require additional procedures to control bleeding or blood transfusions.
• Pain and Discomfort: Pain and discomfort are common after BSSO. Proper pain management is essential to ensure patient comfort during the recovery period.
• Swelling: Swelling of the face and jaw is normal after BSSO and can persist for several weeks. Proper post-operative care and rest are crucial to manage swelling.
• Limited Jaw Mobility: Following surgery, patients may experience limited jaw movement, which can affect speech, eating, and oral hygiene. This limitation is typically temporary and resolves with time and physiotherapy.
• Malocclusion (Misalignment): In some cases, the surgical outcome may not align the jaws as intended, leading to malocclusion or problems with the bite. This may require additional surgery or orthodontic treatment to correct.
• Skeletal Relapse: Over time, there may be some degree of skeletal relapse, where the jaws gradually return to their pre-surgery positions. This can impact the long-term stability of the surgical correction.
• Facial Asymmetry: Changes in the position of the jaws can occasionally lead to facial asymmetry or imbalances in facial aesthetics.
• Intraoperative Fractures: While the surgical procedure involves controlled fractures of the jaw, there is a small risk of uncontrolled fractures or damage to nearby structures, such as teeth or bones.
• Difficulty in Oral Hygiene: Following BSSO, maintaining good oral hygiene can be challenging due to limited jaw mobility. This can increase the risk of dental and gum problems.
• Psychological Impact: Orthognathic surgery can have a psychological impact on some individuals, leading to emotional stress, depression, or dissatisfaction with the results.
• It's important to note that not all patients will experience these complications, and many of them can be managed or resolved with appropriate care and follow-up. 
• A thorough pre-operative assessment, careful surgical planning, and post-operative monitoring are essential to minimize the risk of complications and ensure the best possible outcome for patients undergoing BSSO. 
• Patients should discuss potential risks and benefits with their oral and maxillofacial surgeon before deciding to undergo this procedure.