Accuracy of maxillary segmental osteotomy using 3D simulation: A case report

Abstract

To overcome limitations of conventional diagnosis and planning for orthognathic surgery, surgeons have begun to use 3-dimensional (3D) virtual simulation to plan complex orthognathic surgery. In many literatures, it has shown that better surgical outcome achieved with 3D virtual simulation than that with conventional methods. But, there is still lack of data about accuracy of maxillary segmental surgery with 3D virtual simulation. The purpose of this paper was to report the case of maxillary segmental orthognathic surgery with 3D virtual simulation and to assess the actual surgical outcome. Though the result was clinically acceptable, discrepancy between 3D simulation and actual surgery was not superior compared with conventional method. The accuracy of 3D simulation surgery and intermediate wafer fabrication for maxillary segmental surgery needs to be improved. Advancement in 3D software program and careful surgical technique will make it more precise and reliable method.