title: Retrospective analysis of the effects of orthognathic surgery on the pharyngeal airway space.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Dentofacial deformities can be defined as defects in the growth and development of facial bones, mainly the maxilla and mandible. Such deformities can change the dimension and function of the pharyngeal airway space and orthognathic surgery is the treatment of choice. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the pharyngeal airway space after orthognathic surgery and test the ability of cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging to allow analysis of the airway.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pre- and postoperative measurements were taken using CBCT images of 100 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed an increase of the airway at the middle portion in the anteroposterior and lateral directions in the maxillary advancement, mandibular advancement, and maxillomandibular advancement groups. The results also showed an increase of total area in the maxillary advancement, mandibular advancement, maxillomandibular advancement, and maxillary advancement and mandibular setback groups. Total sagittal area increased in accord with bone movement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CBCT imaging allows the analysis of the effects of orthognathic surgery on the pharyngeal airway. Changes to the airway follow the maxillomandibular advancement that is carried out and the maxillary and mandibular advancements increase the upper and middle airway in the anteroposterior and lateral directions.
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Stomatology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of Sao Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil; Gratis Associate Professor and Research Fellow, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial, Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA. Electronic address: eduardogoncales@usp.br.
authors.forename: Eduardo S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Gonçales
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Dentistry, Endodontics and Dental Materials, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of Sao Paulo, Bauru, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marco A H
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Duarte
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial, Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA.
authors.forename: Celso
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Palmieri
authors.affiliation: Chief Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial, Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA.
authors.forename: George M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Zakhary
authors.affiliation: Gamble Professor and Chair, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial, Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA.
authors.forename: Ghali E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Ghali
mesh_terms: D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D006801:Humans; D057909:Orthognathic Surgery; D010614:Pharynx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012189:Retrospective Studies