Evaluating Virtual Planning Accuracy in Bimaxillary Advancement Surgery: A Retrospective Study Introducing the Planning Accuracy Coefficient

Abstract

Background: Bimaxillary (BiMax) advancement surgeries are one of the most frequently performed procedures in the orthognathic subspecialty of craniomaxillofacial surgery. The growing digitalization of the planning process and the shift from physical to virtual settings in procedure design have allowed, among other things, for better visualization of surgeries, improved preparation, and a more profound understanding of individual anatomy. Therefore, the question of the accuracy of performed virtual planning (VP) as well as the available methods of its evaluation arises naturally. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of performed BiMax advancement surgeries and propose a new planning accuracy coefficient (PAC). Methods: A group of 35 patients who underwent BiMax surgery were included in the study. Computed tomography (CT) of the head and neck region was performed 2 weeks preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Acquired Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) files were used to perform a VP and a 3-dimensional (3D) cephalometry analysis using IPS CASE DESIGNER® software, v2.5.7.1 (KLS Martin Group, Tuttlingen, Germany). Statistical significance evaluation and basic measures of central tendency and dispersion of the analyzed variables were calculated. The accuracy of the performed planning was assessed based on the mean absolute error (MAE) between the planned and achieved cephalometric data variables. Additional assessment was performed based on the proposed PAC. Results: VP was found to be accurate in terms of cephalometric data assessing the height of the maxilla and mandible, the inclination of the occlusal plane, the position of the jaws in relation to the skull base, as well as overjet and overbite. There was a discrepancy in results between the classic and proposed methods of accuracy assessment in the case of several of the evaluated variables. Conclusions: The accuracy of the VP of BiMax advancement surgeries can be evaluated based on 3D cephalometry, and it is accurate in the assessment of the previously mentioned variables. There is a need for further analysis and potential development of the proposed PAC; however, the data obtained based on PAC are promising, and by taking into account the magnitude of planned movements, it can facilitate a fair comparison of results presented in different studies based on various assessment methods.