Orthognathic surgery can transform function, airway, and facial balance, but even experienced surgeons must be ready for the rare complication that can change a case. In this episode of Everyday Oral Surgery, Dr. Grant Stucki welcomes back Dr. Aaron Liddell, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Colorado Oral Surgery with extensive experience in high-volume orthognathic surgery, to discuss management of complications in jaw surgery. Dr. Liddell shares how his concerns have evolved with experience and walks through issues involving the maxilla and mandible. He explores how to treat challenging splits and vascular events, nerve injuries, aesthetic changes, and more. He explains the importance of thoughtful planning, careful technique, and informed consent, and why surgeons should leverage reliable referral networks and stay close to patients when recovery does not go as expected. Tune in to hear hard-earned lessons for anticipating trouble, responding decisively, and guiding patients through orthognathic complications.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Discover how experience has changed the complications Dr. Liddell watches for most closely.
- Learn how to examine atypical maxillary splits and causes of a pterygomaxillary separation.
- Steps for when maxillary complications involve atypical splits, bleeding, or loss of blood.
- Hear how to manage an adverse pterygomaxillary split while limiting additional bleeding.
- Explore how to set realistic expectations when patients pursue orthognathic surgery.
- Uncover which postoperative aesthetic changes cause the greatest concern and what to do.
- Understand how to prevent and respond to mandibular complications.
- Find out how tooth-root injuries can be monitored and when extra treatment may be needed.
- Practical ways to confirm passive condylar seating and reduce the risk of later remodeling.
- When large mandibular gaps may require grafting and how to lower the risk of infection.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Dr. Aaron Liddell – https://www.coloradooralsurgery.com/about/dr-aaron-liddell/
Dr. Aaron Liddell – aaronliddell@gmail.com
AONA CMF Trauma/Colorado Oral Surgery – https://aacmfs.net/aona-cmf-trauma-colorado-oral-surgery/
Materialise – https://www.materialise.com
Ora-Aid — https://www.oraaidusa.com/
Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/
Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/
Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/
Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com
Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059
