The effects of steroids in preventing facial oedema, pain, and neurosensory disturbances after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy: a randomized controlled trial

A randomized, prospective, controlled trial was conducted to determine the efficacy of single and repeated betamethasone doses on facial oedema, pain, and neurosensory disturbances after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy. Thirty-seven patients (mean age 23.62 years, range 17–62 years) with either mandibular prognathism or retrognathism were enrolled consecutively into the study and divided into three groups: control (n = 12), repeated dose 4 + 8 + 4 mg betamethasone (n = 14), single dose 16 mg betamethasone (n = 11). The intake of diclofenac and paracetamol was assessed individually. Measurements of facial oedema, pain, and sensitivity in the lower lip/chin were obtained 1 day, 7 days, 2 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Furthermore, we investigated the possible influences of gender, age, total operating time, amount of bleeding, postoperative hospitalization, and advancement versus setback of the mandible. A significant difference (P = 0.017) was observed in percentage change between the two test groups and the control group regarding facial oedema (1 day postoperatively). Less bleeding was associated with improved pain recovery over time (P = 0.043). Patients who required higher postoperative dosages of analgesics due to pain had significantly delayed recovery of the inferior alveolar nerve at 6 months postoperatively (P < 0.001). Betamethasone did not reduce neurosensory disturbances over time.