Perception of Outcome After Orthognathic Surgery at Jordan University Hospital

Objective: To study the motives for seeking orthognathic surgery at the Jordan University Hospital and evaluate patients’ satisfaction with the treatment. Patients and Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.