Computer Image-Guided Template for Horizontal Advancement Genioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Horizontal advancement genioplasty can be extremely rewarding for microgenia. However, it is challenging for even very experienced surgeon to determine the three-dimensional position of the distant bone fragment during the operation. This study aimed to apply and evaluate computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing techniques for horizontal advancement genioplasty to improve surgical accuracy.

METHODS: Seven patients with microgenia were prospectively enrolled in the study. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT), photographs, and lateral cephalograms were performed. Computer-aided design was done based on preoperative CT data, and then surgical templates (cutting guide templates and fixation templates) were designed accordingly to guide horizontal advancement genioplasty. All surgeries were performed by junior surgeons. The accuracy of the authors' method was evaluated by the relative error (the mean value of discrepancy between postoperative CT and preoperative design at 6 points selected randomly/preoperative design movement × 100%), Pg position error (postoperative Pg Advancement - preoperative CAD Pg Advancement)/preoperative CAD Pg Advancement × 100%), and Me position error (postoperative Me downward movement - preoperative CAD Me downward movement)/preoperative CAD Me downward movement × 100%). They are all calculated by Geomagic automatically.

RESULTS: All 7 patients were satisfied with their aesthetic outcomes. The average absolute relative error is 1.8%. The average absolute Pg position error is 1.9% and the average absolute Me position error value is 1.3%.

CONCLUSIONS: The authors' study showed that applying computer-assisted techniques for horizontal advancement genioplasty provided accurate surgical result. With this technique, best result for horizontal advancement genioplasty could be achieved by even inexperienced surgeons.