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Changes in airway space following mandibular setback using sagittal split osteotomy and rigid internal fixation
1First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Tsurumi University School of Dentistry, Yokohama 230, Japan.
Summary
Mandibular setback surgery significantly narrows airway space, particularly in the lower region. This narrowing may be permanent, with limited recovery observed post-surgery in patients with mandibular prognathism.
Area of Science:
- Orthognathic surgery
- Craniofacial anatomy
- Airway space evaluation
Background:
- Mandibular prognathism presents aesthetic and functional challenges.
- Surgical correction often involves mandibular setback procedures.
- Understanding airway space changes is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate airway space alterations after mandibular setback surgery.
- To correlate setback magnitude with airway changes.
- To assess the relationship between airway changes and skeletal relapse.
Main Methods:
- Study included 28 Japanese patients undergoing mandibular setback via sagittal split osteotomy.
- Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken pre-surgery, post-surgery, and during follow-up (5-12 months).
- Airway space width and area were measured using craniofacial landmarks.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in airway space width and area was observed post-surgery, especially in the lower airway.
- Airway space showed some recovery during follow-up but did not return to pre-operative levels.
- No significant correlation was found between the amount of mandibular setback and airway space changes.
- Minimal skeletal relapse occurred, showing no significant correlation with airway space changes.
Conclusions:
- Mandibular setback surgery leads to a potentially permanent reduction in airway space.
- The observed airway narrowing may persist long-term.
- The extent of mandibular setback did not correlate with the degree of airway space reduction or relapse.