Mandibular advancement for adult obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Patients with mandibular insufficiency can be predisposed to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The objective of this study was to systematically review the international literature for mandibular advancement surgeries (MAS) as treatment for adult OSA, and then to perform a meta-analysis.

Four authors searched five databases from the inception of each database through April 5, 2017. The PRISMA statement was followed.

972 studies were screened, 84 were downloaded, and 11 (57 patients) met criteria. In patients with mandibular insufficiency, MAS reduced apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (50 patients) from 45.9 ± 24.7 to 6.2 ± 10.4 events/h (87% decrease). The lowest oxygen saturation (LSAT) (55 patients) increased from 71.9 ± 14.6% to 89.0 ± 11.0%. The AHI mean difference was -34.8 events/h [95% CI -43.9, -25.8]. The AHI standardized mean difference was -1.8 [95% CI -2.5, -1.2] (indicating a large magnitude of effect). Surgical cure was seen in 75% of those with >16 mm of mandibular advancement vs. 35% of those with <16 mm of advancement [Odds Ratio 5.5; 95% CI 1.06-28.4; Chi Square p = 0.035].

The current literature supports isolated mandibular advancement as an efficacious treatment modality for adult OSA in select patients with mandibular insufficiency.