[Mandibular advancement for the treatment of micrognathia with obstructive sleep apnea]

Fifteen patients with micrognathia and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are presented. All patients were evaluated before and after surgery by physical examinations, cephalometric, fibroptic pharyngoscopy and oxygen saturation (SaO2). A method that allows isolated advancement of the genial tubercle and genioglossus muscle is described. The operation could enlarge the pharyngeal airway space at the base of the tongue (P < 0.05), increase SaO2 and decrease MP-H (P < 0.05) so that the symptoms of OSAS improved or disappeared. The facial symmetry and chin prominence also improved significantly. This method is simple and effective for the treatment of OSAS due to micrognathia and obviates the need for intermaxillary fixation. But it is not indicated for patients with severe malocclusion or airway obstruction on more than one sites.