Obstructive sleep apnoea: a cephalometric study. Part I. Cervico-craniofacial skeletal morphology

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Sleep Medicine
• Craniofacial Anatomy

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common condition with significant health implications.
• Craniofacial morphology is increasingly recognized as a contributing factor to OSA.
• Understanding these skeletal variations is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive cephalometric analysis of cervico-craniofacial skeletal morphology in male patients with OSA.
• To identify specific skeletal aberrations associated with obstructive sleep apnoea.
• To evaluate the utility of cephalometric analysis in OSA diagnosis and treatment planning.

Main Methods:

• Cephalometric analysis was performed on 100 male patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
• A control group of 36 healthy males was included for comparison.
• Measurements focused on cranial base, maxilla, mandible, pharyngeal dimensions, hyoid position, and head posture.

Main Results:

• Patients with OSA exhibited a shorter cranial base with clockwise rotation and depressed clivus.
• Maxillary length was reduced, while mandibular retrognathia was observed in 47% of OSA patients.
• Reduced bony pharynx size, inferiorly positioned hyoid bone, increased lower facial height, and deviated head posture were noted.

Conclusions:

• Significant cervico-craniofacial skeletal aberrations are characteristic of male obstructive sleep apnoea.
• Cephalometric analysis is a valuable diagnostic and treatment planning tool for OSA.
• These findings highlight the importance of skeletal assessment in the multidisciplinary approach to OSA management.