Accuracy of Condylar Position in Orthognathic Surgery Using Virtual Surgical Planning

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the pre- and post-operative position of the mandibular condyles in orthognathic surgery cases prepared using Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP).
Methods: 25 consecutive Class III patients that underwent 2-jaw orthognathic surgery with VSP were selected from a private practice database retrospectively. 3D models generated from CBCT scans obtained pre-surgically (T1) and post-surgically (T2) were then oriented to Frankfurt plane, superimposed, and registered on the anterior cranial base. Condylar displacement and rotation between T1 and T2 were recorded.
Results: The Root Mean Square (RMS) of condylar translation is 1.15±1.14mm in the X-axis, 1.18±1.18mm in the Z-axis, and 1.44±1.21mm in the Y-axis. The RMS for condylar yaw is 7.41±6.24 degrees and roll is 7.78±7.16 degrees.
Conclusions: This is the first study to evaluate condylar positioning in orthognathic surgery cases treated with VSP and contributes to our understanding of VSP in its impact on operating accuracy.