Three-dimensional analysis system for orthognathic surgery patients with jaw deformities

Introduction: Traditionally, lateral and frontal cephalograms are used with facial photographs to evaluate a patient's maxillofacial skeletal and facial soft-tissue morphology. However, the enlargement and distortion of 2-dimensional radiography made it difficult to accurately conceptualize the patient's anatomy. The purpose of this article was to introduce a new method for comparing 3-dimensional (3D) standard values of the maxillofacial skeletal and facial soft-tissue morphology before and after orthognathic surgery. Methods: Normative 3D standard values of the maxillofacial skeletal and facial soft-tissue morphology were calculated from normal women. The pre- and postoperative morphology of one woman who underwent orthognathic surgery was compared with the normative data. Results: This 3D analysis has clinical value to evaluate patients before and after surgical treatment. Conclusions: This quantitative assessment of 3D maxillofacial morphology can evaluate the area and degree of displacement and rotation of the facial skeleton and facial soft tissues. This method is sufficiently useful for routine clinical applications.