Can medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw be attributed to specific microorganisms through oral microbiota analyses? A preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) can cause significant pain and loss of aesthetics and function if not treated properly. However, diagnosis still relies on detailed intraoral examinations and imaging. Prognosis varies even among patients with similar stages or conditions of MRONJ, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of its complex mechanisms. Thus, this study aimed to identify the oral microbiota of patients with MRONJ. METHODS: This single-center prospective cohort study included patients with confirmed MRONJ who visited the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Yonsei University Dental Hospital between 2021 and 2022. Oral swab samples were collected from the affected and unaffected sides of each patient. The composition and enumeration of the microbial communities were analyzed, and the diversity was compared to verify ecological changes in the groups using a next-generation sequencing-based 16S metagenomic analysis. A statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test with SPSS version 22, and values of P less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The final study sample included 12 patients. The mean age was 82.67 ± 5.73 (range, 72-90) years. Changes in microbial composition were observed at different taxonomic levels (phylum, genus, and species). The identified microorganisms were commonly associated with periodontitis, gingival disease, and endodontic infection, suggesting a multifactorial etiology of MRONJ. CONCLUSIONS: Although this study is based on a small number of cases, it shows that MRONJ is not caused by a specific microorganism but can rather be caused by a variety of factors. By addressing these findings in large-scale studies, the significance of oral microbiome in pathogenesis can be further elucidated and can facilitate the development of effective therapeutic interventions for patients with MRONJ.

Effects of the Mandibular Functional Units and Soft Tissue on Facial Asymmetry.

Mandibular asymmetry has a variety of patterns because they are affected the position and the shape of mandible in addition to the overlying soft tissue. This study aimed to assess the factor in mandibular asymmetry, focusing on each mandibular functional units and the soft tissue thickness in the mandibular angle area. Forty patients who were diagnosed with facial asymmetry and undergone the orthognathic surgery without genioplasty were enrolled in this study. The skeletal patterns of the patients were analyzed by using cone-beam computed tomography data and 3D virtual images divided into 2 categories; the mandibular functional unit length and the soft tissue depth. All difference in bilateral mandibular functional unit lengths had a statistically significant with chin top deviation ( P <0.05). The greatest correlation was the condylar unit length compared with other functional units. The soft tissue thickness in the mandibular angle area was not statistically related to chin top deviation ( P >0.05), and the soft tissue did not change remarkably after orthognathic surgery ( P >0.05). This study suggests that the considerations of a surgical plan for treatment based on the mandibular asymmetry.

Which Skeletal Factors Can Affect Lip Canting in Facial Asymmetry?: Statistical Analysis.

Lip canting, which is a noticeable factor in patients with facial asymmetry, can be influenced by the dentofacial skeleton. During orthognathic surgery, postoperative changes in facial soft tissue occur along the newly positioned hard tissue. Therefore, the evaluation of soft tissue before surgery is important. The purpose of this study was to investigate the skeletal factors that can affect lip canting by statistically comparing 2 facial horizontal planes using a three-dimensional reconstruction model. The findings of the present study showed a statistical correlation between lip canting and 3 skeletal factors: menton deviation, maxillary canting, and ramal length differences. Furthermore, a statistical correlation was identified between the Frankfort Horizontal plane and the intercanthal plane compared with the lip canting line. This result suggests that the intercanthal plane could be a standard horizontal plane in three-dimensional reconstruction model analysis.

Ameloblastoma modifies tumor microenvironment for enhancing invasiveness by altering collagen alignment.

Tumor progression is profoundly affected by crosstalk between cancer cells and their stroma. In the past decades, the development of bioinformatics and the establishment of organoid model systems have allowed extensive investigation of the relationship between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the interaction between tumor cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) in odontogenic epithelial neoplasms and the ECM remodeling mechanism remain unclear. In the present study, transcriptomic comparison and histopathologic analysis revealed that TME-related genes were upregulated in ameloblastoma compared to in odontogenic keratocysts. Tumoroid analysis indicated that type I collagen is required for ameloblastoma progression. Furthermore, ameloblastoma shows the capacity to remodel the ECM independently of cancer-associated fibroblasts. In conclusion, ameloblastoma-mediated ECM remodeling contributes to the formation of an invasive collagen architecture during tumor progression.

Reliability of Anterior Nasal Spine as a Reference Point After LeFort I Surgery Using Three-Dimensional Analysis.

ABSTRACT: To evaluate the stability of maxilla following orthognathic surgery, it is necessary to consider the positional change of various landmarks according to bone remodeling of the maxilla. This study aimed to evaluate the stability of the anterior nasal spine (ANS) as a reliable landmark after orthognathic surgery. Forty-seven patients with skeletal class III malocclusion who underwent bimaxillary orthognathic surgery were included. Skeletal changes were measured using cone-beam computerized tomography at 3 time points: preoperative (T0), 1-month postoperative (T1), and 12-month postoperative (T2). Linear changes of the 6 landmark points of the maxilla were measured in 3 directions: anteroposterior, vertical, and transverse. The data were analyzed with paired t tests, independent t tests, and multiple regression analysis. At 12-month postoperatively, the ANS showed mean (standard deviation) 1.23 (1.07) mm posterior movement ( P = 0.00), while other landmarks did not show positional changes, implying bony resorption of ANS. Multiple regression test showed surgical forward movements of ANS (T1-0) affect the postoperative backward changes (ß = -0.05, P < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between the surgical movement and postoperative change of ANS by Pearson correlation test ( r = -0.38, P < 0.05). The ANS is not a reliable measurement point in three-dimensional superimposition after orthognathic surgery. Therefore, in studying the stability and positional change pattern after LeFort I surgery, it is not recommended to use ANS as a reference point, as changes can occur in the measurement point itself.

Personalized 3D-printed Titanium Cutting Guide and Prefabricated Osteosynthesis Plate for Mandibular Step Osteotomy to Treat Severe Mandibular Prognathism.

Mandibular step osteotomy, performed for mandibular prognathism, is a difficult and time-consuming procedure. Virtual computer surgery and computer-aided design & computer-aided manufacturing have demonstrated accurate results in orthognathic surgery, though not used for mandibular step osteotomy yet. In this study, the authors report the case of a 21-year-old man with severe mandibular prognathism, with a reverse overjet of 12 mm. Step osteotomy, a modified method of body osteotomy, was planned virtually and performed using 3-dimensional (3D) printed titanium surgical guides and osteosynthesis plates, using computer-aided design & computer-aided manufacturing. At the 6-month postoperative follow-up, there were no notable complications, and normal healing was observed. Each segment was stably in place with the prefabricated plates. The proximal segments were not sagged medially or laterally. With 3D-printed surgical guides and osteosynthesis plates, intraoperative complications, such as injury to adjacent teeth and nerves, could be avoided. They also showed reasonable accuracy and helped reduce operative time and improve outcomes. Unlike surgical guides made of resin/polyamide, titanium surgical guides can be made thinner, which can reduce the extent of detachment. They also did not undergo any deterioration during the operation. Cutting guides and prefabricated plates using virtual surgical planning and 3D printing have many advantages, including reduced preoperative preparation time and operative time, reduced incidence of intraoperative complications, and improved outcomes. However, limitations still exist and further studies are required.

Predictors of Blood Loss During Orthognathic Surgery and the Need for Pre-Deposit Autologous Blood Donation.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to identify the clinicolaboratory predictors of relative blood loss (RBL) during orthognathic surgery and determine the need for predeposit autologous blood donation (PABD) for the surgery. Using a retrospective study design, 297 patients who underwent bimaxillary orthognathic surgery between 2016 and 2020 were enrolled. To investigate patient-specific risk factors, we calculated the allowable blood loss (ABL) for each patient and RBL as the ratio of estimated intraoperative blood loss (EiBL) to ABL. The correlations between the clinico-laboratory variables and EiBL and RBL were analyzed using stepwise multivariate regression analysis, and independent t test and one-way ANOVA were performed.There was no significant difference in transfusion rate between the PABD group (N = 202/279) and non-PABD group (N = 77/279) ( P   =  0.052). Sex ( P   <  0.001), body mass index class ( P   =  0.001), operative time ( P  < 0.001), and baseline hematocrit ( P  < 0.001) were significant predictors of EIBL and RBL. EIBL exceeded ABL in only 2 patients. The significant factors of RBL in orthognathic surgery were hematocrit, body mass index, and operative time. Clinicians should be more careful about bleeding in patients with low baseline hematocrit level or high body mass index, or those expected to undergo prolonged surgeries owing to a complicated surgical plan. The need for PABD before orthognathic surgery is low.

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Transverse Width of Hard Tissue and Soft Tissue After Mandibular Setback Surgery Using Intraoral Vertical Ramus Osteotomy: A Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: Some clinicians are concerned that if an intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) is used to position the mandible posteriorly, the proximal segments should be positioned laterally to the distal segment, which could increase the transverse mandibular width, leading to esthetically unfavorable results. This study investigated short- and long-term postoperative transverse mandibular width changes in the soft and hard tissue after IVRO for mandibular prognathism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised 44 patients who were treated with mandibular setback surgery using an IVRO. They were categorized into either the facial symmetry group or facial asymmetry group based on their preoperative levels of chin top deviation. Three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography images were obtained at the preoperative, 1-month postoperative, and 12-month postoperative stages, designated as T1, T2, and T3, respectively. We set hard tissue width 1 (HW1) and hard tissue width 2 (HW2) as the sum of the distance at the bilateral ends of the angle and ramus, respectively, and set soft tissue width 1 (SW1) and soft tissue width 2 (SW2) as the sum of the distance at the bilateral ends of the soft tissue angle and ramus, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the value at T1, the HW1 value increased by 8.16% (P < .05) and HW2 increased by 4.39% (P > .05) at T2; HW1 increased by 4.35% (P < .05) and HW2 increased by 2.95% (P > .05) at T3. Compared with the value at T1, the SW1 value increased by 2.49% and SW2 increased by 2.50% at T2; however, SW1 decreased by 0.85% and SW2 increased by 0.37% at T3. The soft tissue variations between T1 and T2, as well as between T2 and T3, were statistically significant. However, no significant difference was found between T1 and T3 (P > .05). No difference between the facially symmetrical and asymmetrical groups was found over time for soft and hard tissues (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Notably, IVRO does not seem to impact the transverse facial profile and enables reliable prediction of the esthetic results of surgery.

Treatment of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Around the Dental Implant With a Once-Weekly Teriparatide: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Managing medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) around a dental implant can be difficult. Although conservative treatment of MRONJ is recommended as the first-line form of management, many patients exhibit no improvement. The human recombinant parathyroid hormone teriparatide has recently been introduced for the management of MRONJ. Teriparatide is effective in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis and is the only US Food and Drug Administration-approved anabolic agent that directly affects osteoblast function and contributes to bone remodeling. Herein we describe a case of MRONJ in an 85-year-old woman who was successfully treated with teriparatide. Teriparatide was administered once per week without any surgical interventions such as a sequestrectomy. Compared with most recently reported cases involving daily treatment with teriparatide, once-weekly administration of teriparatide may minimize side effects and patient discomfort. Once-weekly teriparatide application without sequestrectomy may be effective in the management of MRONJ around a dental implant.

Immunohistochemical Analysis on Cortex-to-Cortex Healing After Mandibular Vertical Ramus Osteotomy: A Preliminary Study.

PURPOSE: The present study analyzed the expression of specific cytokines in the transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß superfamily postoperatively after mandibular vertical ramus osteotomy (VRO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four beagle dogs were enrolled and euthanized at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively for immunohistochemical analysis using 6 specific antibodies (bone morphogenetic protein [BMP]-2/4, BMP-7, TGF-ß2, TGF-ß3, matrix metalloproteinase-3, and vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]). The results from the surgical site and control (adjacent area) were compared. RESULTS: Generalized upregulation of BMP-2/4 was observed in all healing periods, and the strongest expression of BMP-7 was observed at 1 week postoperatively. The strongest expression of TGF-ß2 was observed at 8 weeks with increasing pattern. The strong expression of TGF-ß3 was observed at 1 and 4 weeks, with the strongest expression of VEGF at 1 week, with a decreasing pattern. No notable uptake was detected with the 6 specific antibodies in the adjacent bone (control). CONCLUSIONS: The absence of internal fixation after VRO led to dynamic healing with a specific expression pattern of BMP-7 and TGF-ß2. The anatomic factors, including sufficient preexisting vascularity, led to the earlier expression pattern of VEGF.

Safety and Stability of Postponed Maxillomandibular Fixation After Intraoral Vertical Ramus Osteotomy.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the postoperative safety and long-term stability of bimaxillary orthognathic patients with postponed maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) after intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy.A total of 61 patients (21 male and 40 female patients; average age [SD], 21.7 [4.7]) were enrolled. All patients underwent maxillary LeFort I osteotomy and bilateral intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy for mandibular prognathism. During the hospital stay, postoperative airway compromise was observed and patients underwent MMF with wire at the second postoperative day. Stability was evaluated by measuring the position at each period: preoperative (T0), 2-day postoperative (T1), and 1-year postoperative.Postoperative dyspnea and respiratory distress were absent in all patients. The mean number of refixations in physiotherapy was 0.62 (0.86) and the mean duration of physiotherapy was 11.6 (5.5) days. The mean amount of mandibular setback was 12.56 (5.76) mm and menton movement 0.98 (2.36) mm superiorly (T1). The mean mandibular relapse at Pog was 0.87 (1.96) mm anteriorly. Menton showed 1.11 (1.41) mm superiorly movement 1-year postoperatively (T2).Despite its many advantages, intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy requires a period of MMF which can lead to early discomfort and airway-related emergency. In this study, the physiotherapy procedure and postoperative long-term stability in the postponed MMF group were not different from those of an immediate MMF group studied previously. It therefore constitutes a viable option for oral breathers and other compromised patients.

Three-Dimensional Analysis of Midfacial Soft Tissue Changes After Maxillary Posterior Impaction and Intraoral Vertical Ramus Osteotomy for Mandibular Setback in Class III Patients.

This study investigated the correlation between the 3-dimensional changes in midfacial soft tissues, including the parasagittal area and maxilla-mandible complex, after Le Fort I maxillary posterior impaction and bilateral intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (B-IVRO), using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). This retrospective study included 22 skeletal Class III patients (6 men and 16 women; mean age 21.6 years) who underwent orthognathic surgery. Three-dimensional CBCT images taken before and 1 year after surgery were superimposed based on the cranial base. Midfacial soft tissues, including those in the parasagittal area (paranasal area, anterior cheek area, lateral cheek area) and midsagittal areas of the face, were evaluated using reconstructed CBCT images. Correlations and the ratios between soft tissue and hard tissue movement were calculated. After surgery, both paranasal areas showed significant forward movement (about 2.0 mm) and the largest upward movement (about 0.15 mm) among the 3 areas. The paranasal areas moved forward with a ratio of 0.5, according to vertical movement of B. Orthognathic surgery using Le Fort I maxillary posterior impaction with B-IVRO mandibular setback results in forward movement of midfacial soft tissues, even though sagittal movement of the maxilla is limited because facial muscles and retaining ligaments pull the redundant soft tissues, which are caused by vertical movement of the maxilla-mandible. This midfacial soft tissue change with maxillary posterior impaction could be advantageous to patients who have paranasal depression and protrusion of the upper lip owing to proclined upper incisors, which are prevalent among Asian Class III patients.

Nasal Soft Tissue Change Following Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to identify the correlation between maxillary movement and nasal soft tissue changes on three-dimensional reconstructed cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images after Le Fort I osteotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors also investigate the long-term change of alar base width (ABW) to determine the effect of cinch suture. The authors retrospectively studied 52 subjects (14 males and 38 females) who were treated by bimaxillary orthognathic surgery including Le Fort I osteotomy and mandibular ramus surgery. The landmarks and planes were established on three-dimensional reconstructed CBCT images. The authors measured each parameters preoperatively, 1 month postoperatively, and 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no significant correlation between the horizontal movement of A-point and the widening of ABW (P < 0.038), nor was there a significant correlation between the vertical movement of A-point and the change of ABW (P < 0.61). There was no significant correlation between horizontal and vertical movement of anterior nasal spine and the widening of ABW, nor was there a significant correlation between the nasal tip length and the vector of maxillary movement. CONCLUSION: There was no significant correlation between the ABW widening and the vector of surgical maxillary movement. The effect and stability of the alar base cinch suture is difficult to determine and require further investigation.

Stability of Pre-Orthodontic Orthognathic Surgery Using Intraoral Vertical Ramus Osteotomy Versus Conventional Treatment.

PURPOSE: Postoperative skeletal and dental changes were evaluated in patients with mandibular prognathism who underwent mandibular setback surgery using an intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) with and without presurgical orthodontic treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with skeletal Class III malocclusions who underwent IVRO. Patients treated with pre-orthodontic orthognathic surgery (POGS) were compared with patients treated with conventional surgery (CS) with presurgical orthodontics (control) using lateral cephalograms (taken preoperatively, 7 days postoperatively, and 12 months postoperatively). Predictor (group and timing), outcome (cephalometric measurements over time), and other (ie, baseline characteristics) variables were evaluated to determine the differences in postoperative horizontal and vertical positional changes of the mandible, such as point B. Baseline demographics were similar between the groups (N = 37; CS group, n = 17; POGS group, n = 20). The data were analyzed with an independent t test, the Mann-Whitney U test, the Fisher exact t test, Pearson correlation analysis, and simple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean setback of the mandible at point B was similar, but the mandible of the POGS group, particularly the distal segment, moved superiorly during the postoperative period in conjunction with the removal of premature occlusal contacts (P < .001). In the CS group, the mandible had significantly more backward movement 12 months after surgery compared with the POGS group (P < .01). In the POGS group, horizontal and vertical postsurgical changes were linearly correlated with the amount of setback and vertical movement of the mandible. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular setback surgery using IVRO without presurgical orthodontics leads to considerably different postoperative skeletal and dental changes compared with conventional treatment, with more superior movement being observed at point B during the 1-year postoperative period.

Is There a Difference in Stability After Intraoral Vertical Ramus Osteotomy Between Vertically High-Angle and Normal-Angle Patients?

PURPOSE: Few studies have evaluated the relapse pattern of intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) for the correction of mandibular prognathism with a high angle. The aim of this study was to measure the association between vertical facial types (high and normal mandibular plane angle) and relapse after IVRO for the management of mandibular prognathism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective cohort study sample (skeletal Class III patients) was divided into 2 groups according to the angle of the sella-nasion plane relative to the mandibular plane (SN-MP) at the initial examination. Lateral cephalograms were analyzed for the predictor (facial type) and outcome (cephalometric changes over time) variables before surgery, 7 days after surgery, and 12 months after surgery. The 2 groups were matched for sample size (n = 20 in each). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: The normal-angle group (group N, SN-MP from 27° to 37°) and high-angle group (group H, SN-MP >37°) were not significantly different in terms of gender and age at the initial examination. Seven days after surgery, the mandibles in group H moved 2.5 mm more superiorly than those in group N (P = .013); consequently, the amount of overbite correction in group H was approximately 2 mm greater than that in group N (P = .002). Nevertheless, 12 months after surgery, there was no statistically significant difference in relapse of the maxilla and mandible between the 2 groups. In the 2 groups, the mandible moved approximately 0.7 mm superiorly during retention. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that IVRO is a clinically acceptable and stable treatment modality for mandibular prognathism with a high angle.

Interdisciplinary treatment for an adult patient with anterior open bite, severe periodontitis, and intellectual disability.

This case report describes the beneficial effects of the interdisciplinary treatment of an adult patient with severe skeletal periodontal problems. A 30-year-old female patient presented with anterior open bite, gummy smile, and facial asymmetry. The patient had chronic generalized severe periodontitis with pathologic maxillary anterior teeth migration and mild intellectual disability. Treatment included 6 months of periodontal treatment, followed by presurgical orthodontic treatment, a Le Fort I osteotomy with anterior segmental osteotomy, a bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy, and postsurgical orthodontic treatment. After treatment completion, the patient exhibited functional and aesthetic improvements. Her periodontal condition improved and was maintained after the treatment. Here, we demonstrate a successful treatment outcome in a complicated case following a systematic interdisciplinary approach performed with the correct diagnosis and treatment planning.

Unilateral mandibular advancement with bilateral intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy.

Intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) is an effective surgical procedure that is used for the correction of mandibular prognathism. However, application of IVRO for mandibular advancement has been limited because of the instability of the proximal segments caused by the gap between the distal and proximal segments. We report a case of unilateral mandibular advancement with bilateral IVRO for the correction of facial asymmetry. This case shows possible application of bilateral IVRO for unilateral mandibular advancement without any means of fixation.

Correlation analysis of three-dimensional changes of hard and soft tissues in class III orthognathic surgery patients using cone-beam computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: This study was to investigate the correlation between changes of the soft and hard tissues three-dimensionally in class III orthognathic patients using cone-beam computed tomography. METHODS: Cone-beam computed tomography images were obtained within 2 weeks before surgery and at 6 months after surgery in 18 adult class III patients who underwent Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy. Subjects were divided into group 1 with no mandibular asymmetry (menton deviation, <2 mm; n = 9) and group 2 with mandibular asymmetry (menton deviation, >4 mm; n = 9). Landmarks were designated on the reconstructed three-dimensional models. Correlations and proportions of changes of the soft tissue to hard tissue were calculated. RESULTS: There were significant correlations of ΔB' to ΔB and ΔPog' to ΔPog in both groups on the horizontal axis (P < 0.05), and their proportions were 0.53 and 0.67 in group 1 and 0.77 and 0.88 in group 2, respectively. There were significant correlations of ΔB' to ΔB, ΔPog' to ΔPog, and ΔMe' to ΔMe on the sagittal axis in both groups (P < 0.05), and their proportions were 0.94, 0.84, and 0.96 in group 1 and 0.95, 0.91, and 1.03 in group 2, respectively. There were significant correlations of the three-dimensional distances between ΔB' to ΔB, ΔPog' to ΔPog, and ΔMe' to ΔMe in both groups (P < 0.05), and their proportions were 0.92, 0.79, and 0.95 in group 1 and 0.92, 0.88, and 0.97 in group 2, respectively. However, there were no significant correlations between changes in soft and hard tissues on the vertical axis in both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In class III orthognathic patients with mandibular asymmetry, the proportions of ΔB' to ΔB, ΔPog' to ΔPog, and ΔMe' to ΔMe on the horizontal and sagittal axes and the three-dimensional distances were different from patients with no mandibular asymmetry.

Reconstruction of the premaxilla by segmental distraction osteogenesis for maxillary retrusion in cleft lip and palate.

We present a strategy to target one of the main areas causing retruded maxilla, the premaxillary region for patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP). Advancement of the premaxilla by distraction osteogenesis is attempted, and the retruded anterior maxilla, the collapsed dental space, and the arch shape are sufficiently improved. This strategy also prevents deterioration of the velopharyngeal incompetency function. The procedure seems to be a good option for the treatment of maxillary retrusion and malocclusion for CLP.

Automatic identification of posteroanterior cephalometric landmarks using a novel deep learning algorithm: a comparative study with human experts.

This study aimed to propose a fully automatic posteroanterior (PA) cephalometric landmark identification model using deep learning algorithms and compare its accuracy and reliability with those of expert human examiners. In total, 1032 PA cephalometric images were used for model training and validation. Two human expert examiners independently and manually identified 19 landmarks on 82 test set images. Similarly, the constructed artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm automatically identified the landmarks on the images. The mean radial error (MRE) and successful detection rate (SDR) were calculated to evaluate the performance of the model. The performance of the model was comparable with that of the examiners. The MRE of the model was 1.87 ± 1.53 mm, and the SDR was 34.7%, 67.5%, and 91.5% within error ranges of < 1.0, < 2.0, and < 4.0 mm, respectively. The sphenoid points and mastoid processes had the lowest MRE and highest SDR in auto-identification; the condyle points had the highest MRE and lowest SDR. Comparable with human examiners, the fully automatic PA cephalometric landmark identification model showed promising accuracy and reliability and can help clinicians perform cephalometric analysis more efficiently while saving time and effort. Future advancements in AI could further improve the model accuracy and efficiency.