PITFALLS IN ORTHOGNATHIC MODEL SURGERY - THE SIGNIFICANCE OF USING DIFFERENT REFERENCE LINES AND POINTS DURING MODEL SURGERY AND OPERATION

The planning of orthognathic surgery usually involves a simulation of jaw movements in a semiadjustable articulator. The use of vertical and horizontal references during model surgery and operation have previou sly been described in great detail. The purpose of the present study w as to quantify the errors resulting from using different reference lin es and points in model surgery and operation. The results indicate tha t clinically significant differences between the planned and surgical jaw movement can result from the erroneous transfer of reference lines and points between model surgery and operation. Solutions to some of the problems discussed are suggested.