Our Summary

This study aimed to examine the accuracy of virtual planning in orthognathic surgery, a procedure that corrects conditions related to the structure of the jaw and face. Researchers were particularly interested in the precision of surgery in different parts of the face, including the mandibular condyle, which is the rounded part at the end of the jawbone.

The study involved 52 patients who had a certain type of jaw misalignment and were treated with a two-jaw surgery. The researchers measured the accuracy of the surgery by comparing the planned surgical changes to the actual outcomes. They also looked at the average mistakes made in three dimensions and how these mistakes varied in different directions (up and down, front and back, side to side).

The results showed that the surgical plans were most accurate for the rounded part of the jawbone, followed by the upper jaw, and then the rear part of the lower jaw. The study also found that the errors were more spread out for the rear part of the lower jaw.

In simple terms, the study suggests that while virtual planning can help make jaw surgery more accurate, it’s important for surgeons to be aware that the level of accuracy can vary depending on the part of the face being operated on.

FAQs

  1. What does the study aim to examine about orthognathic surgery?
  2. How did the researchers measure the accuracy of the orthognathic surgery?
  3. According to the study, which part of the face had the most accurate surgical outcomes?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about orthognathic surgery is to have realistic expectations about the outcome. While virtual planning can improve the accuracy of the surgery, there may still be some variations in results, especially depending on the specific area of the face being operated on. It’s important to discuss any concerns or questions with your surgeon before the procedure to ensure you have a clear understanding of what to expect. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up appointments are crucial for a successful recovery and optimal results.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended orthognathic surgery are those with severe jaw misalignments, such as underbites, overbites, open bites, and crossbites. These conditions can lead to issues with chewing, speaking, and breathing, as well as facial asymmetry and aesthetic concerns. Orthognathic surgery can help correct these issues and improve the overall function and appearance of the jaw and face.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  1. Patient consults with orthodontist and oral surgeon to discuss treatment options and determine if orthognathic surgery is necessary.
  2. Patient undergoes a series of tests and evaluations, including dental impressions, x-rays, and possibly a CT scan or MRI.
  3. Orthodontic treatment may be required to align teeth and prepare the jaw for surgery.
  4. Virtual planning is done to create a detailed surgical plan, including the desired facial changes and movements of the jaw.
  5. Pre-surgical orthodontic treatment continues to further align teeth and prepare for surgery.

After orthognathic surgery:

  1. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, typically lasting several hours.
  2. Patient stays in the hospital for a few days to recover and receive post-operative care.
  3. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common in the days following surgery.
  4. A liquid or soft diet is recommended for the first few weeks to allow the jaw to heal.
  5. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the orthodontist and oral surgeon to monitor healing and adjust orthodontic treatment as needed.
  6. Over time, the jaw and facial appearance gradually align and improve, resulting in improved function and aesthetics.

Overall, the patient’s journey before and after orthognathic surgery involves careful planning, collaboration between healthcare professionals, and a commitment to post-operative care for successful outcomes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about orthognathic surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with orthognathic surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  3. Will I need to follow a specific diet or make any lifestyle changes before or after the surgery?
  4. How long will the results of the surgery last, and are there any long-term effects I should be aware of?
  5. What is the success rate of orthognathic surgery for my specific condition?
  6. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments in conjunction with orthognathic surgery?
  7. How will my bite and facial appearance be affected by the surgery, and what are the expected outcomes?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and what are the potential side effects?
  9. How experienced is the surgical team in performing orthognathic surgery, and what is their success rate?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition, and how do they compare to orthognathic surgery in terms of effectiveness and outcomes?

Reference

Authors: Oh HJ, Moon JH, Ha H, Son IS, Lee YC, Lee SJ, Sohn HB, Seo BM. Journal: J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2021 May;79(5):1146.e1-1146.e25. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2020.12.048. Epub 2021 Jan 6. PMID: 33539812