Our Summary

This study looks at how accurately jaw surgery can be planned using computer software. The researchers looked at the surgery plans of 49 patients who had surgery on both jaws and compared them with what actually happened during the surgeries. They found that for most of the measurements they looked at, the computer planning was pretty accurate, with an average error of just under 2mm for straight line measurements and just over 1 degree for angle measurements. However, there was often a slight underestimation in the projection of the jaws, possibly because of limitations in how the positioning of a part of the jaw bone (the condyle) is accounted for. This means that the actual surgery sometimes had to be slightly more extensive than planned. There were also some difficulties in accurately planning changes to the front of the face and chin position. The researchers conclude that while computer planning is useful, it can’t replace the need for constant monitoring during surgery, and there should always be some flexibility in the plan to allow for corrections during the operation.

FAQs

  1. How accurately can jaw surgery be planned using computer software according to the study?
  2. What were the average errors found in the computer planning for jaw surgery?
  3. What were the difficulties encountered in planning changes to the front of the face and chin position?

Doctor’s Tip

One tip a doctor might give a patient about jaw surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, including any dietary restrictions and guidelines for medications. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene before and after surgery to reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, patients should follow post-operative instructions closely, including attending all follow-up appointments and completing any physical therapy or rehabilitation as recommended. It is important to communicate openly with your healthcare team about any concerns or questions you may have throughout the process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended jaw surgery include those with severe malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth and jaws), facial asymmetry, difficulty chewing or speaking, sleep apnea, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, or congenital defects affecting the jaw. Jaw surgery may also be recommended for patients with obstructive sleep apnea, a condition where the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep, leading to breathing difficulties. Additionally, patients who have experienced trauma or injury to the jaw may require surgery to restore function and appearance.

Timeline

Before jaw surgery:

  • Patient undergoes consultations with oral and maxillofacial surgeons to discuss treatment options
  • Pre-surgical planning including imaging studies such as X-rays and CT scans to assess the anatomy of the jaw
  • Orthodontic treatment may be required to align the teeth and jaws before surgery
  • Patient is informed about the risks and benefits of the surgery and prepares for the recovery process

After jaw surgery:

  • Patient undergoes the surgical procedure under general anesthesia, which can last several hours depending on the complexity of the surgery
  • Patient may experience swelling, pain, and discomfort in the days following surgery and will need to follow a liquid or soft diet for a period of time
  • Regular follow-up appointments with the surgical team to monitor healing progress and adjust treatment plan as needed
  • Physical therapy may be recommended to improve jaw function and reduce stiffness
  • Orthodontic treatment continues to fine-tune the bite and alignment of the teeth
  • Patient may experience changes in facial appearance and speech as the jaw heals and settles into its new position
  • Long-term follow-up care to monitor the results of the surgery and address any complications that may arise

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with jaw surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during the healing period?
  3. Will I need to follow a specific diet or take any medications after the surgery?
  4. How will jaw surgery impact my speech and ability to chew?
  5. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures or treatments before or after the surgery?
  6. How long will the results of the surgery last and will I need any additional surgeries in the future?
  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and are there any risks associated with it?
  8. How experienced are you in performing jaw surgery and what is your success rate?
  9. Can you show me before and after photos of patients who have undergone similar jaw surgeries?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to jaw surgery that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: De Riu G, Virdis PI, Meloni SM, Lumbau A, Vaira LA. Journal: J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2018 Feb;46(2):293-298. doi: 10.1016/j.jcms.2017.11.023. Epub 2017 Dec 5. PMID: 29275075