Effect of Orthognathic Surgery on Plantar Pressure and Posture

Overview

Orthognathic surgery leads to changes in the three-dimensional position of the jaws, which may result in alterations in head and neck posture as well as overall body posture. These postural changes are also expected to influence plantar pressure distribution. This study aims to evaluate the direction and magnitude of these changes by assessing posture and plantar pressure measurements before and after orthognathic surgery. Postural analysis and plantar pressure measurements will be performed preoperatively and at the 6-month postoperative follow-up in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. In order to allow a reliable comparison, a control group consisting of non-operated individuals will also be included. The range of natural changes observed in the control group will be determined, and the outcomes will be compared between the surgical and control groups. By comparing preoperative and postoperative measurements, this study aims to evaluate the effects of orthognathic surgery on body posture and plantar pressure distribution. The findings are expected to contribute to the identification of parameters that should be considered in postoperative evaluation and rehabilitation. Furthermore, the results will provide valuable information regarding the postural and plantar pressure changes observed in patients following orthognathic surgery.

A total of 60 participants will be included in the study, consisting of 30 patients scheduled to undergo orthognathic surgery as the study group and 30 patients who have completed their orthodontic treatment and attend regular follow-up visits as the control group. In the study group, static and dynamic computerized plantar pressure analyses will be performed preoperatively using a pedobarography system (static analysis with BEVER®, dynamic analysis with PAROMED®). These analyses will be interpreted by a physiotherapist. Total body posture analysis will be performed using the PostureScreen® mobile application. Four-directional photographs of each participant will be taken by the researcher, and posture analysis will be conducted in collaboration with the physiotherapist according to the anatomical landmarks designated by the application. Body height and weight will be measured during routine pre-anesthetic evaluations. Preoperative lateral cephalometric radiographs (PLANMECA®) will be obtained as part of routine clinical records, and cephalometric evaluations will be performed on these images. At the 6-month postoperative follow-up, body height and weight measurements, lateral cephalometric radiographs, static and dynamic computerized plantar pressure analyses, and total body posture analysis will be repeated in the surgical group. Baseline and follow-up values will be compared to determine the direction and magnitude of changes. In the control group, in addition to routine lateral cephalometric radiographs obtained at the end of treatment, total body posture analysis using the PostureScreen® mobile application, static and dynamic computerized plantar pressure analyses, and body height and weight measurements will be performed. The same assessments will be repeated at the routine 6-month follow-up visit for the control group participants.