[Cephalometric analysis in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: effectiveness of measuring skeletal...

We assessed the surgical indication in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) by comparing cephalometry between a responder group of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) and a nonresponder group. Cephalometric studies were conducted on 43 patients--42 men and one women--who required UPPP and underwent both pre- and postoperative polysomnography, and on 50 non-OSAS patients who formed the control group. Angles and distances were measured based on the Downs-Northwestern method as detailed in the reference cited. The comparison between the OSAS and control groups indicated anterior displacement of the maxilla, and anteroposterior discrepancies of the maxilla and the mandible in OSAS. Significant differences were seen in distance measurements for all values other than the distance from the sella to the nasion. We then compared the 3 groups--responders, nonresponders, and controls. From differences in the Y-axis angle, the Gonial angle, the ANB angle, the distance from the gonion to the menton, and the maximum thickness of the soft palate between responder and control groups, we concluded that the efficacy of UPPP is higher in OSAS patients who have several factors such as micrognathia, anteroposterior discrepancy in the maxillary and mandibular bases, and thick soft palate. We concluded that routinely conducting that cephalometric analysis would be useful for deciding on adopting UPPP.