Objective: To evaluate the effect of sensory disturbance after the sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO)on quality of life.
Methods: From September 2004 to September 2005, 21 patients undergoing SSRO were studied by using questionnaires. There were 12 males and 9 females, aging 19-27 years (mean 22. 6 years). The patients were followed up at 4 weeks and 24 weeks after operation. The subjective questionnaire was completed by patient to evaluate the degree of living quality descending.
Results: At 4 weeks, 19 (90.48%) patients' living quality descended because of postoperative sensory disturbance. Among them, 7 (33.33%) patients had severe descending of living quality. The average effecting time of living accounted for total time 26.9% (about 6.5 h/d). At 24 weeks, 12 (63.16%) patients' living quality descended because of postoperative sensory disturbance, 7 (36.84%) patients could achieve preoperative living quality. The average effecting time of living accounted for total time 15.5% (about 3.7 h/d).
Conclusion: Most patients have descending of living quality after SSRO because of sensory disturbance. However, this condition can be improved during the follow-up and more than 1/3 patients can achieve their preoperative living quality.