Pharyngeal airway evaluation after isolated mandibular setback surgery using cone-beam computed tomography

Area of Science:

• Orthognathic surgery
• Airway analysis
• Craniofacial reconstruction

Background:

• Investigated volumetric and dimensional changes in the pharyngeal airway space.
• Focused on patients with Class III skeletal dysplasia undergoing isolated mandibular setback surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of mandibular setback surgery on pharyngeal airway dimensions.
• To evaluate changes in oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal volumes and dimensions post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Utilized cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans from 28 patients (17 male, 11 female) at three time points: pre-surgery, 6 months post-surgery, and 1 year post-surgery.
• Calculated oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and total airway volumes.
• Determined lateral surface and anteroposterior dimensions at minimal axial areas.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal volumes was observed 6 months to 1 year after surgery.
• Significant reductions in anteroposterior and lateral dimensions of the pharyngeal airway were noted post-surgery.
• No strong correlation was found between the extent of mandibular setback and the observed changes in airway volume or dimensions.

Conclusions:

• Mandibular setback surgery leads to decreased pharyngeal airway volume and dimensions.
• Patients undergoing this surgery should be screened for obstructive sleep apnea.
• Treatment plans may need modification to mitigate risks associated with potential airway compromise.