Accuracy of virtual surgical planning in two-jaw orthognathic surgery: comparison of planned and actual results

Objective. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of virtual surgical planning in two-jaw orthognathic surgery via quantitative comparison of preoperative planned and postoperative actual skull models. Study Design. Thirty consecutive patients who required two-jaw orthognathic surgery were included. A composite skull model was reconstructed by using Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data from spiral computed tomography (CT) and STL (stereolithography) data from surface scanning of the dental arch. LeFort I osteotomy of the maxilla and bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (of the mandible were simulated by using Dolphin Imaging 11.7 Premium (Dolphin Imaging and Management Solutions, Chatsworth, CA). Genioplasty was performed, if indicated. The virtual plan was then transferred to the operation room by using three-dimensional (3-D)-printed surgical templates. Linear and angular differences between virtually simulated and postoperative skull models were evaluated. Results. The virtual surgical planning was successfully transferred to actual surgery with the help of 3-D-printed surgical templates. All patients were satisfied with the postoperative facial profile and occlusion. The overall mean linear difference was 0.81 mm (0.71 mm for the maxilla and 0.91 mm for the mandible); and the overall mean angular difference was 0.95 degrees. Conclusions. Virtual surgical planning and 3-D-printed surgical templates facilitated the diagnosis, treatment planning, and accurate repositioning of bony segments in two-jaw orthognathic surgery.