Clinical and cone-beam computed tomography evaluation of the three-dimensional increase in pharyngeal airway space following maxillo-mandibular rotation-advancement for Class II-correction in patients without sleep apnoea (OSA)

AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate three-dimensionally the changes that occur in the pharyngeal airway space (PAS) after maxillo-mandibular advancement surgery (MMA) and to investigate whether patients perceive these changes.Material and methodsA retrospective analysis of 10 patients who underwent MMA surgery for functional and aesthetic complaints was performed, pre and postoperative cone-beam computed tomography scans (CBCT) were obtained for each patient and the changes in the PAS were compared. At follow-up, we asked the patients to complete a questionnaire examining whether they noticed any improvements in their breathing function.ResultsFor all 10 cases, we found a statistically significant increase in the PAS. The average percentage of improvement was 34% in the PAS area, 112% in the PAS minimum axial area and 56% in the PAS volume. MMA results in significant postoperative PAS improvement, and each patient reported a positive perception of the PAS increase.ConclusionCBCT is a valid technique for upper airway evaluation. MMA orthognathic surgery results in significant three-dimensional improvement in the PAS, leading the patient to notice a subjective improvement in breathing function.