DIGITAL PLANNING OF ORTHOGNATHIC SURGERY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: Digital planning in orthognathic surgery — including three-dimensional (3D) imaging, computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), and virtual surgical planning (VSP) — has transformed preoperative preparation, surgical accuracy, and outcomes. Objectives:To systematically review the literature on digital planning techniques in orthognathic surgery, assess evidence for clinical accuracy, efficiency, complications, and highlight standardized protocols using a PRISMA framework. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies published between 2010–2025 using keywords including “orthognathic surgery,” “virtual surgical planning,” “CAD/CAM,” “3D printing,” “stereolithographic models,” and “digital planning”. The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed. Results: A total of 437 initial articles were identified; after screening and eligibility assessment, 55 studies (including systematic reviews, clinical trials, and comparative studies) were included. Virtual surgical planning improves accuracy of surgical outcomes, reduces intraoperative errors, and enhances predictability compared to traditional 2D planning. However, high heterogeneity exists among study designs. Conclusions: Digital planning demonstrates significant advantages over conventional planning, though standardized protocols and high-quality evidence are needed to optimize outcomes.