Understanding jaw joint changes after corrective jaw surgery
Official title: Variables affecting mandibular orthognathic surgery stability (VAMOSS)
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11447860 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how jaw mechanics and behavior before and after corrective jaw surgery relate to changes in the jaw joint and its tissues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $670,902 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DE035101-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447860 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients undergoing orthognathic (jaw) surgery who have or are at risk for TMJ-related changes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not undergoing jaw surgery or those without TMJ concerns may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
The project looks at why the jaw joint (TMJ) is affected after orthognathic surgery by measuring how the jaw is used in daily life and the resulting mechanical energy on TMJ tissues. Scientists will use a mechanobehavior model that combines energy and muscle activity to predict structural changes in the jaw joint after surgery. The work uses natural-environment data to connect real-life jaw function to TMJ outcomes and aims to predict post-surgical changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help surgeons anticipate TMJ changes after jaw surgery and improve planning to preserve joint health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showed a link between mechanobehavioral factors and TMJ integrity, suggesting potential for predictive modeling.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nickel, Jeffrey C — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Nickel, Jeffrey C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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This study tests whether undergoing bimaxillary orthognathic surgery changes depressive symptoms and self-perceived facial appearance in adults with dentofacial deformities.
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Tooth-and-bone–guided, patient-specific implant for surgery-first jaw realignment
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Preemptive pain relief for jaw surgery
This study tests whether giving pain medicine before surgery reduces early postoperative pain for adults having orthognathic (jaw) surgery.
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How jaw surgery changes posture and foot pressure
This study will test whether orthognathic (jaw) surgery changes head and body posture and how weight is distributed on the feet in adults having corrective jaw surgery compared with similar non‑surgical individuals.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.