title: Clinical and cone-beam computed tomography evaluation of the three-dimensional increase in pharyngeal airway space following maxillo-mandibular rotation-advancement for Class II-correction in patients without sleep apnoea (OSA).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate three-dimensionally the changes that occur in the pharyngeal airway space (PAS) after maxillo-mandibular advancement surgery (MMA) and to investigate whether patients perceive these changes.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis of 10 patients who underwent MMA surgery for functional and aesthetic complaints was performed, pre and postoperative cone-beam computed tomography scans (CBCT) were obtained for each patient and the changes in the PAS were compared. At follow-up, we asked the patients to complete a questionnaire examining whether they noticed any improvements in their breathing function.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For all 10 cases, we found a statistically significant increase in the PAS. The average percentage of improvement was 34% in the PAS area, 112% in the PAS minimum axial area and 56% in the PAS volume. MMA results in significant postoperative PAS improvement, and each patient reported a positive perception of the PAS increase.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CBCT is a valid technique for upper airway evaluation. MMA orthognathic surgery results in significant three-dimensional improvement in the PAS, leading the patient to notice a subjective improvement in breathing function.
authors: Face Surgery Center, Via R. Bormioli 5/A, 43122 Parma, Italy; Maxillo-Facial Surgery, University of Florence, Italy.
authors: Mirco
authors: M
authors: Raffaini
authors: Claudia
authors: C
authors: Pisani
mesh_terms: D056151:Airway Remodeling / Q000502:physiology; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D063172:Genioplasty / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008312:Malocclusion, Angle Class II / Q000601:surgery*; D019186:Mandibular Advancement / Q000379:methods*; D063166:Maxillary Osteotomy / Q000379:methods*; D056948:Orthognathic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D019340:Osteotomy, Le Fort / Q000379:methods; D059229:Osteotomy, Sagittal Split Ramus / Q000379:methods; D010614:Pharynx / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012119:Respiration; D063173:Retrognathia / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012399:Rotation; D012649:Self Concept; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Airway remodelling (MeSH); Cone-beam computed tomography (MeSH); Orthognathic surgery (MeSH)