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Predicting Patient Satisfaction with Bimaxillary Surgery Outcomes: A Functional MRI Study of Neural Responses to Self-Images

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose: This study aimed to utilize functional MRI (fMRI) to assess neural responses to pre- and post-bimaxillary surgery self-images to establish an objective predictor of patient satisfaction with the surgical results. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 16 patients who underwent bimaxillary surgery. Patients' fMRI data were obtained while viewing their self-images before and after surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using SPM12 software to identify changes in neural activation levels. Results: < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between patient satisfaction and the activation of the right superior temporal and precentral gyri when viewing pre- and post-surgery self-images, respectively. Conclusion: Distinct neural activation patterns were observed when viewing preoperative and postoperative self-images, suggesting that fMRI could serve as a potential tool for predicting patient satisfaction with surgical outcomes. The activated brain regions may represent sites of esthetic satisfaction, aligning with patients' self-reported satisfaction levels.

Source: Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology

DOI: 10.3348/jksr.2023.0090

Authors: Jae Seung Kim, Changwoo Kang, Won-Jin Moon

Institutions: Konkuk University, Konkuk University Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

Subfield: Orthodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond