Is low level laser therapy effective for treatment of neurosensory deficits arising from sagittal split ramus osteotomy?

Publication date: Available online 13 April 2017
Source:Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): Majid Eshghpour, Baratollah Shaban, Farzaneh Ahrari, Mahdi Erfanian, Elaheh Shadkam
PurposeThis study investigated the effectiveness of low level laser therapy (LLLT) for treating neurosensory impairment following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO).MethodsThis randomized, double-blind, split-mouth design trial included patients requiring BSSO. Following operation, one side of each patient was randomly assigned to laser therapy, and the other side served as placebo. At 24, 48 and 72 hours after operation, LLLT was accomplished by intraoral application of a 660 nm laser around the surgical site (200 mW, 10 s, 2 J, 1.5 J/cm2), followed by extra-oral irradiation by an 810 nm laser (200 mW, 10 s, 2 J, 7 J/cm2) along the distribution of inferior alveolar nerve. Afterwards, extraoral irradiation was repeated two times per week for 3 weeks along the path of inferior alveolar nerve, lower lip and chin. On the placebo side, the treatment was similar to the laser side, but without laser simulation. The main outcome was assessing nerve damage by a "2-point discrimination test" before and up to 60 days after operation.ResultsThe sample consisted of 16 patients. No significant difference was found between the laser and placebo sides before and after surgery and on 15 and 30 days later (p>0.05). The two-point discrimination distance was significantly lower in the laser than the placebo side on days 45 and 60 after operation (p<0.05).ConclusionLLLT was effective in treatment of neurosensory disturbances arising from BSSO. Therefore, LLLT can be recommended to accelerate the recovery of sensory aberrations in patients undergoing BSSO.



http://ift.tt/2o1iDbF