Neuromuscular Evaluation in Orthodontic–Surgical Treatment: A Comparison Between Monomaxillary and Bimaxillary Surgery

PURPOSE: Orthognathic surgery is a cornerstone therapeutic approach for correcting dentofacial deformities; however, its Impact on neuromuscular adaptation remains incompletely understood, particularly regarding different surgical strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare neuromuscular changes in patients undergoing monomaxillary or bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. METHODS: Eighty adult patients treated with combined orthodontic-surgical therapy were included (37 monomaxillary; 43 bimaxillary). A control group of 20 healthy adult subjects with physiological occlusion and no history of orthodontic or orthognathic treatment was included. Surface electromyography (sEMG) of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles and mandibular kinesiography were performed using standardized protocols at five treatment phases. Electromyographic symmetry indices (Percent Overlapping Coefficient-POC), muscle activity (µV), IMPACT values, and mandibular movement parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: During the presurgical orthodontic phase, both groups showed comparable reductions in neuromuscular activity. Postoperatively, monomaxillary patients exhibited earlier stabilization of sEMG symmetry and a faster increase in IMPACT values, approaching physiological reference ranges at the final follow-up. In contrast, bimaxillary patients showed greater variability and slower functional recovery. Mandibular opening and lateral movements improved in all patients, with more stable kinesiographic patterns observed in the monomaxillary group. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, neuromuscular adaptation following orthodontic-surgical treatment appears to be associated with the surgical approach adopted, rather than representing a direct effect of surgical extent. These findings support the role of functional assessment as a complementary component in the management of orthognathic patients.