A paradigm shift in orthognathic surgery? A comparison of navigation, computer-aided designed/computer-aided manufactured splints, and "classic" intermaxillary splints to surgical transfer of virtual orthognathic planning.
OBJECTIVE
Advances in computers and imaging have permitted the adoption of 3-dimensional (3D) virtual planning protocols in orthognathic surgery, which may allow a paradigm shift when the virtual planning can be transferred properly. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the versatility and precision of innovative computer-aided designed and computer-aided manufactured (CAD/CAM) surgical splints, intraoperative navigation, and "classic" intermaxillary occlusal splints for surgical transfer of virtual orthognathic planning.


METHODS
The protocols consisted of maxillofacial imaging, diagnosis, virtual orthognathic planning, and surgical planning transfer using newly designed CAD/CAM splints (approach A), navigation (approach B), and intermaxillary occlusal splints (approach C). In this prospective observational study, all patients underwent bimaxillary osteotomy. Eight patients were treated using approach A, 10 using approach B, and 12 using approach C. These techniques were evaluated by applying 13 hard and 7 soft tissue parameters to compare the virtual orthognathic planning (T0) with the postoperative result (T1) using 3D cephalometry and image fusion (ΔT1 vs T0).


RESULTS
The highest precision (ΔT1 vs T0) for the maxillary planning transfer was observed with CAD/CAM splints (<0.23 mm; P > .05) followed by surgical "waferless" navigation (<0.61 mm, P < .05) and classic intermaxillary occlusal splints (<1.1 mm; P < .05). Only the innovative CAD/CAM splints kept the condyles in their central position in the temporomandibular joint. However, no technique enables a precise prediction of the mandible and soft tissue.


CONCLUSIONS
CAD/CAM splints and surgical navigation provide a reliable, innovative, and precise approach for the transfer of virtual orthognathic planning. These computer-assisted techniques may offer an alternate approach to the use of classic intermaxillary occlusal splints.
Associate Professor, Department of Craniomaxillofacial and Plastic Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany. Electronic address: drmaxzinser@yahoo.de.
Max J
MJ
Zinser
Hermann F
HF
Sailer
Lutz
L
Ritter
Bert
B
Braumann
Marc
M
Maegele
Joachim E
JE
Zöller
D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D005146:Facial Asymmetry / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000601:surgery; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D017090:Occlusal Splints; D056948:Orthognathic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000601:surgery; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted; D014584:User-Computer Interface