Our Summary

This research paper is about using artificial intelligence (AI) to help surgeons plan for jaw surgery. The researchers created a type of AI called a ‘VSP transformer’, which uses information about the patient’s face and jaw structure to predict how the jawbones should be moved during surgery. This process is usually quite complex and relies heavily on the surgeon’s experience.

The AI was trained using data from 383 previous surgeries and then tested on 49 new cases. The results showed that the AI could predict the necessary jaw movements very accurately, outperforming other similar prediction models. The AI’s predictions were also consistent with what experienced surgeons would expect, showing that it’s a reliable tool.

In conclusion, the AI model could be a valuable tool for surgeons planning jaw surgery, making the process more accurate and potentially improving patient outcomes.

FAQs

  1. How does the AI model assist surgeons in planning for jaw surgery?
  2. How was the AI model trained and tested for predicting jaw movements?
  3. How does the AI model’s performance compare to other similar prediction models in jaw surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about orthognathic surgery is to trust in the expertise and technology being used to plan and perform the surgery. With the advancements in AI technology, surgeons now have access to more precise and personalized planning tools that can greatly improve the outcome of the surgery. Patients should feel reassured that their surgeon is using the latest technology to ensure the best possible results.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who may be recommended for orthognathic surgery include those with:

  1. Severe bite issues, such as underbite, overbite, or crossbite, that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone.
  2. Facial asymmetry due to jaw misalignment.
  3. Difficulty chewing, speaking, or breathing due to jaw misalignment.
  4. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
  5. Sleep apnea or other breathing problems related to jaw position.
  6. Aesthetic concerns related to facial proportions and symmetry.

Overall, orthognathic surgery is recommended for patients who have significant jaw and facial abnormalities that are affecting their quality of life and cannot be corrected through other means.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  1. Patient meets with an orthodontist to discuss treatment options and determine if surgery is necessary.
  2. Patient undergoes orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and prepare for surgery.
  3. Patient meets with a surgeon to discuss the surgical plan and expected outcomes.
  4. Patient undergoes imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to create a 3D model of the face and jaw.

After orthognathic surgery:

  1. Surgery is performed to move the jawbones into the correct position.
  2. Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and recovery.
  3. Patient will experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following surgery.
  4. Patient will need to follow a special diet and practice good oral hygiene during the healing process.
  5. Patient will attend follow-up appointments with the surgeon and orthodontist to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.
  6. Patient will continue with orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the bite and ensure long-term stability.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. How will the AI technology be used in planning my jaw surgery?
  2. How does the AI compare to traditional methods of planning jaw surgery?
  3. What specific benefits can I expect from the use of AI in my surgery?
  4. Will the AI technology affect the overall success rate of my surgery?
  5. How will the AI technology impact the recovery process after surgery?
  6. Are there any potential risks or limitations associated with using AI in jaw surgery planning?
  7. Can you provide me with more information on the training and testing of the AI model in relation to my specific case?
  8. How will the use of AI in my surgery impact the level of customization and precision in my treatment plan?
  9. Can you explain in more detail how the AI will determine the necessary jaw movements for my surgery?
  10. Are there any additional resources or studies available that can help me better understand the role of AI in orthognathic surgery?

Reference

Authors: Cheng M, Zhang X, Wang J, Yang Y, Li M, Zhao H, Huang J, Zhang C, Qian D, Yu H. Journal: BMC Oral Health. 2023 Mar 18;23(1):161. doi: 10.1186/s12903-023-02844-z. PMID: 36934241