Accuracy of maxillary positioning using computer-designed and manufactured occlusal splints or patient-specific implants in orthognathic surgery

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of maxillary positioning using computer-designed and manufactured occlusal splints or patient-specific implants in orthognathic surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 28 patients that underwent virtually planned orthognathic surgery with maxillary Le Fort I osteotomy either using VSP-generated splints (n = 13) or patient-specific implants (PSI) (n = 15) was conducted. The accuracy and surgical outcome of both techniques were compared by superimposing preoperative surgical planning with postoperative CT scans and measurement of translational and rotational deviation for each patient. RESULTS: The 3D global geometric deviation between the planned position and the postoperative outcome was 0.60 mm (95%-CI 0.46–0.74, range 0.32–1.11 mm) for patients with PSI and 0.86 mm (95%-CI 0.44–1.28, range 0.09–2.60 mm) for patients with surgical splints. Postoperative differences for absolute and signed single linear deviations between planned and postoperative position were a little higher regarding the x-axis and pitch but lower regarding the y- and z-axis as well as yaw and roll for PSI compared to surgical splints. There were no significant differences regarding global geometric deviation, absolute and signed linear deviations in the x-, y-, and z-axis, and rotations (yaw, pitch, and roll) between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding accuracy for positioning of maxillary segments after Le Fort I osteotomy in orthognathic surgery patient-specific implants and surgical splints provide equivalent high accuracy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patient-specific implants for maxillary positioning and fixation facilitate the concept of splintless orthognathic surgery and can be reliably used in clinical routines.