Effects of structured orofacial muscle rehabilitation training on the recovery of facial expression muscles in patients with skeletal class II malocclusion after orthognathic surgery.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of structured orofacial muscle rehabilitation training (OMRT) on the recovery of facial expression muscles in patients with skeletal Class II malocclusion after orthognathic surgery.

STUDY

DESIGN

This randomized controlled trial enrolled 56 skeletal Class II malocclusion patients who underwent orthognathic surgery. The intervention group received structured OMRT, while the control group received standard postoperative care. Preoperative and postoperative assessments were performed at postoperative day 2, 14, 1 month, and 3 months, including linear angle measurements and relevant recovery indices. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 25.0 and R 4.1.2 software.

RESULTS

The OMRT group exhibited significant improvements in facial function indices, specifically ChL-ChR, Ls-Li, and ∠ChL-Sn-ChR at one month postsurgery, with values either close to or aligned with preoperative levels. The recovery curve demonstrated rapid improvement from postoperative day two to one month, indicating that early structured training was associated with enhanced facial expression recovery, improved self-image, and faster psychological and functional restoration.

CONCLUSION

Structured OMRT significantly improves the recovery of facial expression muscles in skeletal Class II malocclusion patients following orthognathic surgery. These findings provide valuable clinical insights and may inform rehabilitation strategies for this patient population.