Changes in pharyngeal (airway) morphology in Class III Turkish female patients after mandibular setback surgery

SummaryIntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the pharyngeal and lower facial morphology in Turkish female Class III patients 1.5 ± 0.4 years after mandibular setback surgery (bilateral sagittal split osteotomy), and orthodontic multi-bracket treatment. Only women with mandibular prognathism were selected because sex differences in pharyngeal airway changes were evident.Material and methodsLateral cephalograms of 25 Turkish female Class III patients (mean age: 25.4 ± 2.6 years) with mandibular prognathism, were assessed before and 1.5 ± 0.4 years after operation. Paired t and Pearson tests were used.ResultsThe pharyngeal airway morphology showed significant changes in soft-palate length and posterior reference line (PRL) to point of posterior tongue. The decrease in PTV–Pg distance was correlated with the decreases in PRL–PSP, PRL–PTO and PRL–E distances. It was considered normal for the pharyngeal airway morphology to adapt after surgery to improve the hard tissue relationship.ConclusionThe lower facial morphology significantly changed and the pharyngeal airway narrowed 1.5 ± 0.4 years after mandibular setback surgery.