The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of a scheme for provision of orthognathic surgery by examining whether patients' expectations were fulfilled as well as their opinions about the result of treatment and side-effects. Data were obtained during a pre-planned 3-year follow-up clinical examination which included the administration of patient questionnaires. Of 583 subjects (281 females, 235 males; mean age 27.2 years) who underwent surgery during the period 1994-2002, 516 attended (89 per cent). Differences between subgroups and associations between variables were analysed by chi-square or Fisher's exact test. The most frequent motives for treatment were improvement of dental appearance and chewing ability, indicated by 83 and 81 per cent of the patients, respectively. The expectations were fulfilled for most patients, and satisfaction with the treatment result was reported by 92 per cent. Dissatisfaction was significantly related to gender, skeletal malocclusion, and surgical procedure (P = 0.001). Of all patients, 36.8 per cent reported impaired sensory function, the most frequent side effect. Sensory impairment and concern due to disturbed sensation were significantly related to age at surgery (P = 0.001 and P = 0.041, respectively). The treatment outcome as perceived by the patients was generally favourable. Even if sensory disturbance was frequently observed, most patients, especially in the younger age groups, seemed to adapt. Certain patient characteristics and surgical procedures were associated with an increased risk of dissatisfaction. These observations are relevant in the guidance of prospective orthognathic patients.

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We studied the effects of short-term therapy with methylprednisolone and indomethacin on healing of intramedullary pinned osteotomies of the femur in rats. When the osteotomy was complete and healing occurred under unstable conditions with callus formation, indomethacin inhibited healing when estimated by mechanical tests of bending moment, energy expenditure before refracture, and bending rigidity 6 weeks after surgery. No inhibitory effects were seen following corticosteroid treatment. When the osteotomy was incomplete and healing occurred under stable conditions, similar tendencies were observed. Thus, short-term medication with indomethacin inhibits fracture healing. This was not the case with short-term methylprednisolone.

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