Electromagnetic navigated positioning of the maxilla after Le Fort I osteotomy in preclinical orthognathic surgery cases

Abstract

Objectives: Inaccuracies in orthognathic surgery can be caused during face-bow registration, model surgery on plaster models, and intermaxillary splint manufacturing. Electromagnetic (EM) navigation is a promising method for splintless digitized maxillary positioning.

Study design: After performing Le Fort I osteotomy on 10 plastic skulls, the target position of the maxilla was guided by an EM navigation system. Specially implemented software illustrated the target position by real-time multistage colored three-dimensional imaging. Accuracy was determined by using pre- and postoperative cone beam computed tomography.

Results: The high accuracy of the EM system was underlined by the fact that it had a navigated maxilla position discrepancy of only 0.4 mm, which was verified by postoperative cone beam computed tomography.

Conclusions: This preclinical study demonstrates a precise digitized approach for splintless maxillary repositioning after Le Fort I osteotomy. The accuracy and intuitive illustration of the introduced EM navigation system is promising for potential daily use in orthognathic surgery.