Palatopharyngoplasty failure, cephalometric roentgenograms, and obstructive sleep apnea

Nine patients with obstructive sleep apnea who underwent unsuccessful palatopharyngoplasty (PPP) as documented by polygraphic monitoring had abnormal cephalometric roentgenogram measurements. Findings indicated a small posterior airway space and inferiorly placed hyoid bone. Cephalometry performed with appropriate techniques to investigate soft tissue location should be obtained systematically in obstructive sleep apneic patients before any surgery is performed. The roentgenogram finding is a helpful guide in deciding whether PPP alone or PPP in combination with other surgical procedures would be more efficacious.