Apert syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea: Timing for midface surgery

This study aims to determine the optimal timing for midface surgery in patients with Apert syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

We reviewed relevant articles from Web of Science and PubMed and conducted a bibliometric analysis.

A review of 74 documents published between 1981 and 2023 revealed that determining the optimal timing for surgery in cases of airway obstruction necessitates consideration of various factors, including the location and severity of airway abnormalities, craniofacial development, potential impact of treatment on future growth, psychological considerations, and overall physiological conditions. Although midface advancement surgery performed around ages 6 to 7 typically yields symptom relief and favorable long-term outcomes, the ideal surgical timing young children with severe OSA remains a contentious issue.

While midface surgery is frequently advocated at ages 6 to 7, there is an urgent need for enhanced cooperation and high-quality research to deepen our understanding.