Real-time Image Guidance for Improved Orthognathic Surgery

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Orthognathic surgery is used to treat severe congenital/ developmental craniofacial anomalies and dentofacial malocclusion. It is estimated that over 2.5% of the US population has severe dentofacial deformities requiring orthognathic surgery. Left uncorrected, these malocclusions can lead to psychological distress, impaired masticatory, speech and respiratory functions affecting the overall quality of life. Surgical techniques have improved over the past 50 years with rigid screw fixation decreasing post-operative complications and improving the success rate, yet surgical relapse still occurs. Approximately 20% of patients who had mandibular advancement surgery, with or without maxillary advancement surgery, experience moderate relapse 1-5 years after surgery. In addition, the success rate for more complex maxilla-mandibular surgery is reported to be as low as 60%. A principle component responsible for surgical relapse is due to improper positioning of the condyle and