Robotic applications in orthognathic surgery: a scoping review.

Abstract

Orthognathic surgery has increasingly incorporated digital technologies to improve accuracy and reproducibility, and robotic systems have recently emerged as a potential extension of these advances. This scoping review aimed to comprehensively map and synthesize the existing literature on robotic applications in orthognathic surgery, with emphasis on the types of robotic systems, their functional roles, level of clinical translation, and current limitations. A scoping review was conducted using Embase, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant studies published up to 28 May 2026. All original articles reporting robotic applications in orthognathic surgery were included. Thirty-five publications met the inclusion criteria. Most investigations were preclinical, relying on phantom, cadaveric, or animal models, while clinical studies were limited to early feasibility evaluations. Robotic applications evolved from passive measurement and positioning systems toward integrated platforms supporting navigation, bone repositioning, and controlled osteotomy execution. The included studies most consistently reported improvement in geometric accuracy and reproducibility of plan-to-execution transfer, particularly for maxillary positioning and linear osteotomies under surgeon supervision, with performance generally comparable to established digital techniques rather than superior. Clinical adoption remains limited by small patient cohorts, lack of long-term outcome data, and insufficient comparative evidence. Overall, robotic technology represents a promising, task-specific adjunct in orthognathic surgery, but current evidence does not support routine replacement of established digital workflows. Future research should prioritize comparative clinical trials, standardized outcome reporting, and improved integration into surgical workflows to better define the clinical value of robotics in orthognathic surgery.