[Changes in airway space following mandibular setback using sagittal split ramus osteotomy with rigid internal...

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Respiratory Physiology

Background:

• Mandibular prognathism presents aesthetic and functional challenges.
• Surgical correction often involves mandibular setback procedures.
• The impact of these procedures on airway dimensions requires thorough investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate changes in airway space following mandibular setback surgery.
• To assess the long-term stability of airway dimensions post-surgery.
• To investigate correlations between setback amount, airway changes, and relapse.

Main Methods:

• Study included 28 Japanese patients undergoing mandibular setback via sagittal split ramus osteotomy.
• Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken pre-surgery, immediately post-surgery, and 5-12 months post-operation.
• Airway space width and area were quantitatively analyzed.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in airway space width and area was observed immediately after surgery, especially in the lower airway.
• While some airway dimensions increased during follow-up, they did not return to pre-operative levels.
• No significant correlation was found between the extent of mandibular setback and airway space changes, nor between airway changes and pogonion point relapse.

Conclusions:

• Mandibular setback surgery using sagittal split osteotomy leads to a potentially permanent reduction in airway space.
• The observed airway narrowing may persist long-term, impacting respiratory function.
• Surgical technique and patient factors may influence the degree of airway compromise and relapse.