Accuracy of computer-assisted orthognathic surgery

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the difference between the planned and the actual movements of the jaws, using three-dimensional (3D) software for PC-assisted orthognathic surgery, to establish the accuracy of the procedure.

Material and methods: A retrospective study was performed with 49 patients who had undergone PC-guided bimaxillary surgery. The accuracy of the protocol was determined by comparing planned movements of the jaws with the actual surgical movements, analysing frontal and lateral cephalometries.

Results: The overall results were deemed accurate, and differences among 12 of the 15 parameters were considered nonsignificant. Significant differences were reported for SNA (p = 0.008), SNB (p = 0.006), and anterior facial height (p = 0.033). The latter was significantly different in patients who had undergone genioplasty when compared with patients who had not.

Conclusion: Virtual surgical planning presented a good degree of accuracy for most of the parameters assessed, with an average error of 1.98 mm for linear measures and 1.19° for angular measures. In general, a tendency towards under-projection in jaws was detected, probably due to imperfect condylar seating. A slight overcorrection of SNA and SNB during virtual planning (approximately 2°) could be beneficial. Further progress is required in the development of 3D simulation of the soft tissue, which currently does not allow an accurate management of the facial height and the chin position. Virtual planning cannot replace the need for constant intraoperative monitoring of the jaws' movements and real-time comparisons between planned and actual outcomes. It is therefore appropriate to leave some margin for correction of inaccuracies in the virtual planning. In this sense, it may be appropriate to use only the intermediate splint, and then use the planned occlusion and clinical measurements to guide repositioning of the second jaw and chin, respectively.

Keywords: Computer-assisted orthognathic surgery; Orthognathic surgery; Virtual planning accuracy; Virtual surgical planning.