Maxillary morphology in obstructive sleep apnea: a cephalometric and model study

The relationship between maxillary constriction and the etiology of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is not clear. This prospective case-control study compared maxillary morphology in 94 dentate subjects (47 OSA and 47 control subjects), using upright lateral cephalograms and study models. Each subject had height, weight, and neck circumference measurements recorded and underwent an orthodontic examination. An upright lateral cephalogram and dental impressions were obtained. All data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical package applying nonparametric tests at the 5% level of significance. Male and female subjects were examined separately, and statistically significant differences were found between the cephalometric measurements for OSA and the control subjects. The palatal angle was more obtuse in male OSA subjects (P < .05). The PNS-posterior pharyngeal wall was shorter (P < .05) and the soft palate longer in female OSA subjects (P < .05). Minimum palatal airway widths were significantly reduced in both male (P < .01) and female (P < .001) subjects. In the comparison of study model measurements, palatal heights in OSA subjects were greater (P < .05). Thus, maxillary morphological differences do exist between OSA and control subjects, supporting their role as a etiological factor.