Accuracy of video imaging for predicting the soft tissue profile after mandibular set-back surgery

The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of two video-imaging programs for predicting the soft tissue outcomes of mandibular set-back sur gery for patients with skeletal class III malocclusion. The sample consiste d of 30 previously treated, nongrowing, white patients who had undergone is olated mandibular set-back surgery. An objective comparison was made of eac h program's cephalometric prediction using a customized analysis, as well a s a subjective comparison of the predicted images as evaluated by a panel o f six raters. The results showed that both programs produced similar cephal ometric and video image predictions. The cephalometric visual treatment obj ective predictions were found to be most accurate in the horizontal plane; approximately 30% of cases showed errors greater than 2.0 mm, whereas in th e vertical plane, the error rate was greater (50%). The resulting video ima ge predictions were judged by the panel as being in the "fair" category. A particular problem was noted when significant vertical compression of the s oft tissue images was required. Video imaging was suitable for patient educ ation but not accurate enough for detailed diagnosis and treatment planning .