Discrepancies in Soft Tissue Profile of Patients for Orthognathic Surgery between Preoperative Lateral Facial Photograph, Lateral Cephalogram and Supine Position on Operation Table

Purpose: An accurate preoperative analysis of the patient is essential in orthognathic surgery in order to acquire superior results. In profile, the location of the chin's position may change according to the neck's inclination. This may ultimately affect the amount of surgical movement. During acquisition of cephalometric radiographs, or in supine position, there is a discrepancy in the neck's inclination. This means that there are also various discrepancies between the actual profile and the various preoperative profile images. In the clinical situation, the decision in performing genioplasty usually lies in the analysis of the patient's profile on the operating table at the final stages of orthognathic surgery. This study aims to analyze the different preoperative profile images and to compare their discrepancies. Methods: Fifty eight patients undergoing orthognathic surgery were chosen. These patients were divided into three groups according to angle's classification of malocclusion, as class I, II or III. The right profile of these patients in centric occlusion was taken in natural head position (NHP). This was set as the 'actual profile image.' Another right profile image was taken on the operating table after insertion of the nasotracheal intubation and with muscle relaxants in effect. This was also taken in centric occlusion. The angle (denoted 'A') between the soft tissue glabella-pognion and the true vertical plane was found in the above-mentioned profile images and in the cephalometric radiographs. The differences of these values were analyzed. Results: There were differences in Angle 'A' in all of the preoperative images. These values were however, not statistically significant. Conclusion: In order to gain an esthetic profile during orthognathic surgery, the NHP is shown to be the most reliable position. Images reproducing such head positions should be used in the treatment planning process.