Prediction accuracy of soft tissue profile in orthognathic surgery

The purpose of this study was to compare soft tissue prediction accuracy of model surgery combined with computer software prediction with that of computer software prediction alone and to assess surgical accuracy by comparing the immediate postsurgical cephalogram with the planned movement of skeletal hard tissue. The predicted and actual soft tissue changes and the corresponding skeletal changes of 16 patients were compared using the Quick Ceph Image cephalometric treatment simulation software. A custom analysis was created to measure the hard tissue and soft tissue changes that occurred as a result of the surgical procedure. On average, the predictions were not significantly different from the actual postsurgical profile changes. Surgical changes of hard tissues from presurgery to postsurgery were accurate as planned except for the position of N-ANS. All lower soft tissue points moved significantly during treatment. Quick Ceph Image offers a rapid and reliable method of profile prediction that does not require artistic skill. If predictions are interpreted with caution and transferred accurately to the model surgery, they can provide an excellent visual aid during presurgical treatment planning and patient presentation.