Our Summary

This research paper compares two techniques used in planning a specific type of jaw surgery (bimaxillary osteotomy): Traditional Surgical Planning (TSP) and Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP). The researchers looked at how long it took to plan and perform the surgery with each method, to see which was more efficient and potentially better for patient care.

They collected relevant studies from several online databases and found eight that met their criteria. Six of these were suitable for a more detailed statistical analysis.

The analysis showed that VSP was significantly faster than TSP in the planning stage of the surgery. However, there was no significant difference in the time it took to actually perform the surgery between the two methods.

The researchers suggest that as technology improves and surgeons become more familiar with VSP, it may help to reduce both planning and surgery times in the future. However, they also noted that future research would benefit from using standard methods and reporting procedures to ensure the results are reliable and useful in a clinical setting.

FAQs

  1. What are the two techniques compared in this study for planning bimaxillary osteotomy?
  2. What were the findings regarding the efficiency of Traditional Surgical Planning (TSP) vs Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP)?
  3. Did the researchers suggest any potential benefits or improvements with the use of Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) in the future?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about orthognathic surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, such as avoiding certain medications and fasting before the procedure. It is also important to discuss any concerns or questions with your surgeon before the surgery to ensure you have a clear understanding of what to expect during and after the procedure. Additionally, following post-operative instructions, such as taking prescribed medications and attending follow-up appointments, is crucial for a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended orthognathic surgery are those with severe misalignment of the jaws, leading to functional issues such as difficulty chewing or speaking, as well as aesthetic concerns. These patients may have conditions such as skeletal malocclusion, facial asymmetry, or temporomandibular joint disorders that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone. Orthognathic surgery is often recommended for patients who have completed their growth, usually around age 18 for females and age 20 for males. Additionally, patients should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with orthodontist and oral surgeon to discuss treatment options
  2. Orthodontic treatment to align teeth and prepare for surgery
  3. Comprehensive evaluation including imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans) to assess jaw position and plan surgical approach
  4. Pre-surgical orthodontic preparation to align teeth in final position after surgery

After orthognathic surgery:

  1. Surgery to reposition the jaws and correct bite alignment
  2. Post-operative care including pain management and monitoring for complications
  3. Recovery period with restricted diet and activity limitations
  4. Follow-up appointments with orthodontist and oral surgeon to monitor healing and adjust treatment as needed
  5. Continued orthodontic treatment to finalize bite alignment and ensure long-term stability of results.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  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 special diet or make any lifestyle changes before or after the surgery?
  4. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of my appearance and functionality of my jaw?
  5. How experienced are you in performing orthognathic surgery and what is your success rate?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments or techniques that could be considered for my case?
  7. Will I need to wear braces before or after the surgery, and for how long?
  8. How will my bite be affected by the surgery and will I need any further adjustments in the future?
  9. What is the cost of the surgery and will my insurance cover any part of it?
  10. How will I be monitored and supported throughout the entire process, from pre-surgery planning to post-operative care?

Reference

Authors: Alkaabi S, Maningky M, Helder MN, Alsabri G. Journal: Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2022 Nov;60(9):1184-1191. doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2022.07.007. Epub 2022 Jul 29. PMID: 36030091