Maxillary, mandibular and chin advancement surgery for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea

Abstract

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the effectiveness of maxillary, mandibular and chin advancement (MMCA) surgery as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea and to determine the cephalometric parameters of this surgery. Twenty consecutive adult patients with obstructive sleep apnoea for whom other treatments (constant positive airway pressure, mandibular advancement splint and soft tissue surgery) had failed underwent MMCA surgery. Pre- and post-surgical polysomnography studies measuring the Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI), minimum blood oxygen saturation (MinSaO2) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were compared. Lateral cephalometric radiographs measuring the pre- and post-surgical posterior airway space (PAS) were also analysed. Regression analysis indicated that the change in PAS at the level of B point largely accounted for the change in the RDI, although it was not significantly related with the postoperative oxygen saturation. MMCA surgery was found to be effective as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea, and improved all postoperative measures in this study. There was a significant relationship between B point, the PAS and a reduction in RDI.