This leaflet has been designed to improve your understanding of your forthcoming treatment and contains answers to many of the common questions. If you have any other questions that the leaflet does not answer or would like further explanation, please ask.
The problem
Your surgeon has decided that the best way to sort out the problems you are experiencing from your jaw joint is to perform “open” surgery. Open surgery involves exposing the jaw joint fully by making a cut in front of the ear rather than using keyhole techniques.
What does the operation involve?
In order to gain access to the joint the surgeon will make a cut immediately in front of the ear. Although the cut extends from the top to the bottom of the ear, where possible it will be placed in a skin crease so that when it heals fully it will be difficult to see. Sometimes it is necessary to extend the cut from the top of the ear upwards into the hairline. Once the joint has been opened and any treatment carried out the incision is put back together again with stitches. These need to be removed around a week after surgery. At the end of the operation a small tube may also be placed through the skin into the underlying wound to drain any blood that collects. This “drain” is usually removed on the morning following surgery.
How long will the operation take?
The length of the operation depends on what your surgeon will be doing on your jaw joint. If the procedure is relatively simple (eg repositioning of a slipped cartilage) surgery may take less than an hour. If the procedure is more complicated (eg partial or total joint replacement) then the operation will last for several hours.
What can I expect after the operation?
The area in front of your ear is likely to be sore for several days after surgery. Regular painkillers will be arranged for you. It is also necessary to make sure that the area heals without any infection and so you may also be given antibiotics.
Immediately after the operation your face will be swollen and feel tight, your jaw will be stiff and you will find that you cannot open your mouth widely. Bruising is variable and can last several days. Any swelling can be reduced by using cold compresses and sleeping propped upright for a few days. Most of the swelling will have disappeared after a week.
Can I eat normally after surgery?
To begin with no. For the first week or so you will only want a soft diet. You may find that your bite feels strange for a couple of weeks.
How long will I be in hospital?
This obviously varies from person to person and depends on what sort of surgery has been performed. Most patients spend one or two nights in hospital after their operation.
Do I need to take time off work?
Again this varies enormously from person to person. Most people require a week or so off work. It is important to remember that you will not be able to drive or operate machinery for 48 hours after your general anaesthetic.
Will I have a scar?
All cuts made through the skin leave a scar but the majority of these fade with time and are difficult to see when they are fully healed. It may take several months for your scar to fade but eventually it should blend into the natural folds and contours in front of your ear.
What are the possible problems?
There are potential complications with any operation. Fortunately with this type of surgery complications are rare and may not happen to you. However it is important that you are aware of them and have the opportunity to discuss them with your surgeon.
- Bleeding – some oozing from the incision in front of your ear on the night of the operation is normal and to be expected. Should you have any bleeding when you get home it can usually be stopped by applying pressure over the area for at least 10 minutes with a clean handkerchief or swab.
- Infection is uncommon particularly if you have been prescribed antibiotics.
The surgeon tells me that damage to a nerve is possible. What does this mean?
The facial nerve runs close to the jaw joint. It is this nerve that makes the muscles of your face work. Damage to some or all of that nerve can result in weakness of the muscles on one side of your face. Most nerve damage occurs as a result of bruising since the nerve is protected during surgery. If nerve damage occurs it is usually temporary although it can take several months to recover fully.
The nerve that supplies feeling to your earlobe (great auricular nerve) can sometimes be bruised as a result of surgery. You may end up with a numb or tingling feeling in your earlobe.
Is permanent nerve damage possible?
While the majority of damage to the nerves is temporary, permanent damage is possible but usually only occurs in the most difficult cases.