Craniofacial abnormalities in obstructive sleep apnoea: implications for treatment

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common disorder, and is characterized by repetitive closure of the upper airway during sleep. Upper airway narrowing and sleep-induced loss of muscle tone are important factors in the development of OSA. Over the last decade there has been a growing recognition that craniofacial abnormalities occur commonly in OSA patients. The more commonly identified abnormalities include mandibular deficiency, an inferiorly placed hyoid bone relative to the mandibular plane, a narrowed posterior air space, a greater flexion of the cranial base, and elongation of the soft palate. It is thought that these abnormalities result in upper airway narrowing, thereby predisposing to OSA. When the well established role of obesity in the development of OSA is taken into account, a model of OSA emerges in which the degree of craniofacial abnormalities determines the extent of obesity required to produce OSA in a given individual. The recognition of the role of craniofacial abnormalities in the development of OSA has led to a number of treatment strategies aimed at correcting or improving craniofacial structure, thereby preventing upper airway collapse during sleep. These treatments include dental appliances, and various maxillofacial surgical procedures. An improved understanding of the evolution of OSA from childhood to adulthood, in relation to facial development, may lead to a preventative strategy for this disorder.