[Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion. Effects on the nasal airways and nasal septum].
BACKGROUND
Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) is a standardized method to treat cross bites in maxillofacial surgery. Changes to the nasal airways are assumed due to the anatomic dependence between the palate and the nasal floor.


METHODS
In this study 19 patients with a transverse deficit of the upper jaw underwent SARME. CT scans were performed 1 month pre- and 6 months postoperatively. Effects to the lower nasal airways, the nasal septum and the hard palate were subsequently evaluated.


RESULTS
The mean distraction width of the upper jaws was 5.84 mm (SD 2.19) postoperatively. In addition to the dentoalveolar gain in width, a significant increase in the nasal floor was observed (p<0.001). The anterior part of the nasal floor was increased by 14.11%. An anterior-caudal tilt of the upper jaw was observed in the anterior part measuring 1.5 mm (SD 1.05). No significant deviation of the nasal septum occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
SARME has a significant effect on ear, nose and throat medicine. Nasal airways enlarge significantly, while no significant deviation of the nasal septum is observed.
Seeberger
R
R
Klinik- und Poliklinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie, Universitäts-Kopfklinik Heidelberg, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Deutschland. robin.seeberger@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Kater
W
W
Schulte-Geers
M
M
Thiele
O C
OC
Davids
R
R
Hofele
C H
CH
Freier
K
K
D000328:Adult; D002508:Cephalometry; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D009300:Nasal Septum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010155:Palatal Expansion Technique / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010159:Palate / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011859:Radiography; D055815:Young Adult