Case report impact on orthognathic surgery for counterclockwise rotation and effect on airway, with or without temporomandibular joint total joint prostheses

Purpose

Present case reports that have generated new treatment protocols improving treatment of patient outcomes with jaw deformities and airway compromises requiring counterclockwise rotation (CCWR) of the maxillo-mandibular complex (MMC) with or without a requirement for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) total joint prostheses (TJP). Presented are studies that verify the efficacy of these procedures.

Methods

Initial case presentations were identified in reference to CCWR of the MMC without and with TMJ total joint prostheses in cases of co-existing end-stage TMJ pathology. A non-systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies pertinent to subject matter.

Results

Two case reports are presented that have significantly affected our specialty: 1) CCWR of the MMC and effect on airway, and 2) TMJ TJP with concomitant maxillary osteotomies for CCWR of the MMC.  Forty papers were identified meeting the filtered criteria. Twenty-nine papers were excluded as case reports, philosophy, technique, or small case series. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and are summarized according to the data included. These studies validate the efficacy and stability of CCWR of the MMC in the presence of healthy joints as well as patients with end-stage TMJ pathology using custom TMJ TJP in conjunction with orthognathic surgery.

Conclusions

Patients with healthy TMJs can be treated with CCWR of the MMC with predictable outcomes and stability. Patients with end-stage TMJ pathology can benefit from TMJ TJP and orthognathic surgery for CCWR of the MMC with good stability, improved function, decreased pain, improved airway, and quality of life.