PhD Scientific Days 2025

Poster Session III. - S: Dental Research

Functional Motion Analysis of a Patient Before and After Splinting and Orthognathic Surgery: A Case Presentation

Name of the presenter

Lorincz Gergely

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Semmelweis University Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

Authors

Dr. Lorincz Gergely¹, Dr. Jász Bálint², Dr. Finy Mirtill¹, Dr. Bogdán Sándor, PhD³, Prof. Dr. med. habil. Rózsa Noémi Katinka MSc, PhD¹

1: Semmelweis University Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
2: Semmelweis University Department of Prosthodontics
3: Semmelweis University Department of Oro-Maxillofacial Surgery and Stomatology

Text of the abstract

AIMS

To gain a better understanding of the effects of orthognathic surgery and temporomandibular joint splinting therapy, we perform digital motion analysis using the Arcus Digma 3 device. In our combined surgical-orthodontic treatment protocol, before surgery we utilize a mandibular splint therapy for 4-8 weeks following orthodontic treatment to achieve a stable condylar position in centric relation (CR), which is also reproducible in the operation room.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed motion analysis (ROM) and condylar position analysis (EPA) in four time points with the Arcus Digma 3 Device:

T0: At the end of orthodontic treatment, before splinting

T1: At 4-8 weeks after splinting, one week before surgery

T2: 2–4 weeks after surgery

T3: 6 month after surgery

For ROM we measure the following parameters:

Lateral excursion to the left and right

Protrusion

Maximal mouth opening

In the EPA diagram, the maximal intercuspidation position (ICP) was used as the calibration point, and the centric relation (CR) position was compared to this reference.

Results

As shown in the EPA diagram, after splinting therapy (T1), the condyles—while the teeth are in ICP—move closer to the ideal CR position compared to their position before splinting (T0). After surgery (T3), they remain almost in the same position.

Following splinting (T1), the amount of protrusion doubled from 3 mm to 6 mm compared to the baseline (T0). At time point T3, 6 month after surgery, the protrusion increased even further to 7 mm. Right after surgery (T2) the ROM is restricted compared to the after splinting/before surgery therapy state (T1), but normalized after six month of the surgery (T3).

Conclusion

Based on this case study, splinting may be important for achieving a stable condylar position prior to orthognathic surgery. This stability can contribute to more precise surgical planning and execution, as well as potentially reduce the risk of postoperative temporomandibular joint issues. In line with previous studies and clinical experience, certain aspects of the range of motion become temporarily restricted after surgery. However, by six months postoperatively, these movements return to the post-splinting state, indicating functional recovery over time.

FUNDING

The author(s) received no financial support for the research.