How jaw surgery changes posture and foot pressure
Evaluation of the Effects of Orthognathic Surgery on Plantar Pressure Distribution and Posture
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.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Bezmialem Vakif University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Fatih) |
| Trial ID | NCT07350681 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Sixty adults will be enrolled, with 30 patients scheduled for single‑ or double‑jaw orthognathic surgery and 30 matched non‑surgical controls. Participants will have baseline measurements and the surgical group will be re‑measured at a 6‑month postoperative visit. Outcomes include static and dynamic plantar pressure (BEVER® and PAROMED® pedobarography), whole‑body posture analysis using the PostureScreen® mobile app, and lateral cephalometric radiographs; a physiotherapist will interpret pressure and posture results. Baseline and follow‑up values will be compared within the surgical group and against natural changes observed in the control group to determine direction and magnitude of change.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (aged 18+) with BMI under 30 who are scheduled for single‑ or double‑jaw orthognathic surgery while receiving orthodontic treatment and who will have routine preoperative lateral cephalograms and a 6‑month postoperative follow‑up are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients who are obese (BMI ≥ 30), have major neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disorders affecting posture, cannot attend in‑person follow up, or lack required radiographs are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians predict and manage postural and plantar pressure changes after jaw surgery and guide postoperative physiotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Small prior studies and case reports have reported posture and plantar pressure changes after jaw surgery but results are limited and sometimes inconsistent, so controlled comparisons remain relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Study Group (Orthognathic Surgery Group) Participants will be eligible for inclusion in the surgical cohort if they meet all of the following criteria: Individuals scheduled to undergo single-jaw or double-jaw orthognathic surgery as part of comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Currently receiving orthodontic therapy utilizing clear aligner systems or fixed orthodontic appliances. Availability of preoperative lateral cephalometric radiographs obtained as part of routine clinical evaluation. Age ≥ 18 years at the time of enrollment. Completion of a minimum of 6 months of postoperative orthodontic treatment, enabling standardized follow-up evaluation. Body Mass Index (BMI) \< 30 kg/m², to minimize confounding effects related to obesity on postural and plantar pressure measurements. Control Group (Non-surgical Group) Participants will be eligible for inclusion in the control cohort if they meet all of the following criteria: Individuals not undergoing orthognathic surgery during the study period. Receiving orthodontic treatment with clear aligners or fixed appliances, comparable to the surgical cohort. BMI \< 30 kg/m². Age ≥ 18 years. No participation in physical activities or rehabilitative programs that may alter postural parameters or plantar pressure distribution during the study period. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants from either cohort will be excluded if they exhibit: Neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, or postural disorders that may independently influence balance or plantar pressure distribution. History of previous orthognathic or maxillofacial surgery. Systemic diseases affecting bone metabolism, neuromuscular function, or gait. Pregnancy. Inability or unwillingness to comply with study procedures or follow-up assessments.
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Fatih
- Bezmialem Vakif University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics — Istanbul, Fatih, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aysenur Di̇ndar — Bezmiâlem Vakıf University, Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Orthodontics, İstanbul, Türkiye
- Study coordinator: Aysenur Dindar, PhD student
- Email: aysenur.dindar@hotmail.com
- Phone: +90 5392881190
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.