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This study assessed whether preoperative class III patients could recreate their facial difference based on a profile photograph. Twenty class III pre-surgery bimaxillary orthognathic patients used CASSOS (SoftEnable Technology Ltd.) to manipulate a distorted soft tissue image of them until they felt it resembled their current soft tissue profile. Patients were able to move their upper lip and lower chin backward and forwards, as well as the lower chin up and down. Differences in the mean absolute distance between the patient-perceived position of the upper lip (Labrale superious) and chin (Pogonion) and the actual position of their upper lip and chin were measured on two occasions. Intra-patient reproducibility was found to be excellent (ICC 0.93 to 0.98). All differences were statistically significantly greater than 3mm, and would be clinically significant. Patients were better at re-creating their AP chin position rather than their AP upper lip and vertical chin positions. Approximately half of patients undergoing surgical correction of their class III skeletal pattern were unable to correctly identify their pre-surgical facial profile. Given the lack of awareness of their profile, this questions the validity of using profile planning for informed consent., (Copyright © 2021 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This study was carried out on volunteers to evaluate a newly developed interactive software package aimed at informing prospective Le Fort I osteotomy patients regarding the surgical technique and possible complications. The aim of the study was to compare two methods of information delivery; a multi-media tablet device delivering both graphic and verbal information, and an audio device delivering essentially the same information in verbal form only. The null hypothesis was that there would be no difference between the efficiencies of the two methods. The subjects' ability to recall the information delivered by both devices was assessed using a questionnaire. The tablet device participants scored an average of 15.48 points, while the audio device participants scored an average of 268 points. The difference was statistically significant ( p < 0.001), suggesting that the multi-media tablet device was more effective method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer packages have been introduced to simulate the movements of the jaw in three dimensions to facilitate planning of treatment. After final 3-dimensional virtual planning, a rapid prototype wafer can be manufactured and used in theatre. Our aim was to assess the accuracy of rapid prototyping of virtual wafers derived from laser scanned dental models using CAD/CAM software. Upper and lower plaster models from 10 orthognathic patients, the articulated models, and the conventional wafers were scanned. The virtual wafers were made from CAD/CAM software, and printed on a stereolithographic printer. We also scanned the articulated models with rapid prototype wafers in place. The validity of the final rapid prototype wafer was measured by the accuracy with which upper and lower models related to one another. The absolute mean error of the rapid prototype wafer when aligned with the dental models was 0.94 (0.09) mm. The absolute distance of the 2 models articulated by conventional and rapid prototype wafers ranged from 0.04 - 1.73mm. The rapid prototype wafers were able to orientate the upper and lower dental models with an absolute mean error of 0.94 (0.09) mm, but it ranged from 0.04-1.73mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The quality of care delivered to 74 patients undergoing orthognathic surgery was assessed using a patient satisfaction questionnaire and data collected from hospital case records. Surgical complications, hospital services, patient satisfaction, and impact on quality of life, were the main aspects considered. The majority of patients reported that their treatment objectives had been achieved and that they were satisfied with the quality of care provided. The main concern of the patients regarding the clinic was the waiting time before an appointment could be offered. Eating and breathing difficulties and low mood after surgery were the main reported complications. Sixty-three patients experienced post-operative weight loss. The importance of a nutritious, high calorie soft diet should be emphasised and the use of menthol inhalations following maxillary osteotomies should be considered more frequently. Clinicians should be aware of post-operative low mood, which may require psychological support. We developed a sensitive assessment battery with comprehensive parameters to audit quality of orthognathic surgery service, and recommend that a similar approach should be considered by teams which undertake management of orthognathic patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]