Is ankyloglossia associated with obstructive sleep apnea?

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the evidence on the association between ankyloglossia and obstructive sleep apnea. METHODS: An integrative literature review was carried out in the databases. Observational and interventional studies that assessed the lingual frenulum in children with sleep-disordered breathing were included. As exclusion criteria: studies in animals, in vitro, letters to the editor, expert opinions, other reviews. The selected articles were analyzed regarding the study design, sample, characterization of the lingual frenulum and sleep assessment, in addition to the main results and conclusions. RESULTS: Ninety-seven articles were identified, but only 4 met the inclusion criteria. Two retrospective studies concluded that the untreated shortened lingual frenulum at birth is associated with obstructive sleep apnea. A prospective study concluded that there was an improvement in speech and deglutition after lingual frenectomy, in addition to improved sleep. A retrospective cohort concluded that lingual frenuloplasty combined with myofunctional therapy is effective in the treatment of snoring and mouth breathing. CONCLUSION: The studies included in this review contribute to corroborate the association between ankyloglossia and obstructive sleep apnea.

Is ankyloglossia associated with obstructive sleep apnea? / Anquiloglossia se associa à apneia obstrutiva do sono?

Abstract Objectives To investigate the evidence on the association between ankyloglossia and obstructive sleep apnea. Methods An integrative literature review was carried out in the databases. Observational and interventional studies that assessed the lingual frenulum in children with sleep-disordered breathing were included. As exclusion criteria: studies in animals, in vitro, letters to the editor, expert opinions, other reviews. The selected articles were analyzed regarding the study design, sample, characterization of the lingual frenulum and sleep assessment, in addition to the main results and conclusions. Results Ninety-seven articles were identified, but only 4 met the inclusion criteria. Two retrospective studies concluded that the untreated shortened lingual frenulum at birth is associated with obstructive sleep apnea. A prospective study concluded that there was an improvement in speech and deglutition after lingual frenectomy, in addition to improved sleep. A retrospective cohort concluded that lingual frenuloplasty combined with myofunctional therapy is effective in the treatment of snoring and mouth breathing. Conclusion The studies included in this review contribute to corroborate the association between ankyloglossia and obstructive sleep apnea.

Resumo Objetivo Investigar as evidências sobre a associação entre a anquiloglossia e a apneia obstrutiva do sono. Método Foi feita revisão de literatura integrativa nas bases de dados. Foram incluídos estudos observacionais e intervencionais em que foi feita a avaliação do frênulo de língua em crianças com distúrbios respiratórios do sono. Como critérios de exclusão: estudo em animais, in vitro, carta ao editor, opinião de expert, outras revisões. Os artigos selecionados foram analisados quanto ao desenho do estudo, casuística, caracterização da avaliação do frênulo lingual e do sono, além dos principais resultados e conclusões. Resultado Foram localizados 97 artigos, porém apenas 4 atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Dois estudos retrospectivos concluiram que o frênulo lingual curto não tratado ao nascimento está associado à apneia obstrutiva do sono. Um estudo prospectivo concluiu que, após a frenectomia lingual, além da melhoria do sono, houve melhoria na fala e deglutição. Um coorte retrospectivo concluiu que a frenuloplastia lingual associada à terapia miofuncional é eficaz no tratamento do ronco e respiração oral. Conclusão Os estudos incluídos na presente revisão contribuem para corroborar a associação entre anquiloglossia e apneia obstrutiva do sono.

Impact of counterclockwise rotation of the occlusal plane on the mandibular advancement, pharynx morphology, and polysomnography results in maxillomandibular advancement surgery for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea patients.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the impact of counterclockwise rotation of the occlusal plane (CCWROP) on pharynx morphology and polysomnography in maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. METHODS: Prospective clinical trial of patients with OSA treated by MMA. Computed tomography and polysomnography were performed pre- and postoperatively and the parameters were compared. The surgery classified the patients into two groups: with (R) and without (NR) CCWROP. RESULTS: The study sample comprised 38 individuals: R (n = 19) and NR (n = 19). An anterior mandible advancement of 0.71 mm was identified for each degree of CCWROP (p < 0.001). As for polysomnography, the apnea-hypopnea index was reduced by 80% and 62% in R and NR, showing final values of 6.8 and 13.0, respectively. The apnea index changed equally in both groups. Reduction of 68 and 26% in the hypopnea index was observed for R and NR, respectively, with no statistically significant difference. Total volume increased by 45% in R and 30% in NR. Retropalatal and retrolingual volumes increased by 49% and 4% in R and 43% and 15% in NR, respectively. The minimum axial area increased by 92% in the retropalatal region and 97% in the retrolingual region in R, whereas these increases were of 76% and 31% in NR, respectively. CONCLUSION: Anterior mandibular advancement of 0.71 mm for each degree of CCWROP is of great importance for surgical planning. As a result of this resource, individuals in R presented better results than those in NR in all parameters assessed, especially regarding the retrolingual region.

Effects of transverse maxillomandibular distraction osteogenesis on obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and on the pharynx.

PURPOSE: To assess the effects of transverse maxillomandibular distraction osteogenesis (TMDO) on the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and on the morphology of the pharynx. METHODS: A clinical trial was conducted with seven patients with OSA and with transverse maxillomandibular deficiency, two women and five men aged on average 41.16 ± 10.9 years on the day of surgery. All participants were submitted to computed tomography (CT) and full-night polysomnography (PSG) before and approximately 9 months after surgery. A 95% confidence interval was defined. RESULTS: The AHI and RDI of the participants were reduced by about 62% (from 27.65 ± 36.65 to 10.73 ± 11.78, p = 0.031 and from 41.21 ± 32.73 to 15.30 ± 13.87, p = 0.015, respectively). The airway showed a surprising mean reduction in volume of 10% (from 5.78 ± 2.53 to 4.71 ± 1.42, p = 0.437, for the upper pharynx; from 6.98 ± 2.23 to 6.23 ± 2.05, p = 0.437, for the lower pharynx; and from 12.76 ± 1.56 to 10.94 ± 2.42, p = 0.625, for the total pharynx). However, the site of the smallest area of the pharynx was considerably increased both in the anteroposterior and transverse direction and in its total area (from 0.88 ± 7.11 to 0.99 ± 0.39, p = 0.625; from 1.78 ± 0.81 to 2.05 ± 0.61, p = 0.812; and from 0.99 ± 0.74 to 1.40 ± 0.51, p = 0.180, respectively). CONCLUSION: TMDO proved to be efficient in reducing or curing OSA, producing modifications of upper pharynx morphology with an increase of the smallest area of the pharynx.

Dynamic comparison of pharyngeal stability during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome treated with maxillomandibular advancement.

PURPOSE: To compare the dynamic differences occurring in the pharynx during sleep after maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery for the treatment of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. METHODS: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted on 20 patients (15 men and 5 women) with a polysomnography diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) submitted to surgical treatment with MMA. All patients were submitted to magnetic resonance (MR) during propofol-induced sleep before and 6 months after surgery. Thirty linear measurements (30 sections) were obtained over time in the retrolingual (RL) region to compare their variability before and after MMA. RESULTS: The mean linear anteroposterior increase of the pharynx during induced sleep after MMA was 66 % in the RL region (P < 0.01). The coefficient of variation of the linear measurements was 117.5 % before surgery, being reduced to 51 % after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: MMA promoted an important increase of the pharynx during induced sleep and a more significant change in the variability of its lumen. With a lower variation in the diameter of the organ during the respiratory movements, there is greater airway stability and a consequent maintenance of the pharyngeal lumen that reduces or even prevents pharyngeal collapse.

Enlargement of the Pharynx Resulting From Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion.

PURPOSE: Given that transverse maxillary deficiency is an etiologic factor of obstructive sleep apnea and is intimately connected to pharyngeal size, the objective of this study was to determine whether surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) would promote pharyngeal enlargement in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in patients with uni- or bilateral posterior crossbite who underwent SARME. Participants were recruited from the Integrated Center for the Study of Face Defects, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (São Paulo, Brazil). All patients underwent computed tomography of the pharynx before and after surgery (171.5 days on average), and the sagittal and transverse planes and the total area across 3 levels of the pharynx, including the upper (posterior nasal spine), middle (first cervical vertebra), and lower (second cervical vertebra) levels, were measured on the images. A paired-samples t test was used to evaluate changes in the pharynx before and after surgery. RESULTS: The studied sample consisted of 18 adult patients (10 women and 8 men) with an average age of 37.11 years (standard deviation, 11.73 yr); all patients resided in the region of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. No statistical changes were observed in the upper level. An enlargement of 17.82% (P = .0107) was observed in the sagittal plane of the middle level. The cross-sectional and area values of this same portion were enlarged (16.96 and 37.38%, respectively), with a trend toward statistical significance (P = .067 and .051, respectively). The airway enlargements in the lower level were 26.41, 24.87, and 53.87% in the sagittal and transverse planes and total area, respectively; these differences were statistically significant (P = .0003, .0033, and .0016, respectively) for all 3 measurements. CONCLUSIONS: SARME promotes pharyngeal enlargement, especially in the lower levels of the pharynx.

Effects of surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion on obstructive sleep apnea and daytime sleepiness.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) on obstructive sleep events and daytime sleepiness in adults with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). METHODS: Sixteen individuals (7 women/9 men) aged 40.2 ± 10.2 (range, 24.4 to 62.2 years) with maxillary transverse deficiency and OSAS (respiratory disturbance index [RDI] greater than 5) confirmed with full-night polysomnography (PSG) underwent SARME to evaluate its efficiency for OSAS treatment. RESULTS: Several PSG parameters and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) results were compared in selected individuals before and after they underwent SARME. An RDI reduction from 35.4 ± 38.5 to 16.0 ± 19.7 was found, corresponding to a mean decrease of 54.6 % (p = 0.0013). A 56.2 % (33.23 ± 39.5 to 14.5 ± 19.4, p = 0.001) decrease was found in the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), in addition to decreases in the desaturation and microarousal rates, among other parameters. The ESS scores improved from 12.5 ± 5.3 to 7.2 ± 3.5 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SARME promotes an improvement in OSAS symptoms; decreases the rates of respiratory disturbances; microarousal, and desaturation; and reduces daytime sleepiness.

Resection of a juvenile nasoangiofibroma by Le Fort I osteotomy: Experience with 40 cases.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the rate of success and complications of juvenile nasoangiofibroma resection by Le Fort I osteotomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were obtained from the medical records of 40 patients with a diagnosis of juvenile nasoangiofibroma confirmed by anatomopathological examination. All tumors were resected by Le Fort I osteotomy between 1983 and 2010. The data obtained were gender, age, symptoms, sites of invasion, preoperative embolization, routes of surgical access, duration of surgery, complications, need for transfusion, relapses, and follow-up time. RESULTS: All patients were male, ranging in age from 7 to 27 years. The most common symptom was nasal obstruction, and central nervous system (CNS) invasion was present in 27.5% of cases. Craniotomy was associated with Le Fort I osteotomy in only one case. The mean duration of surgery was 216 min. Complications occurred in 15% of cases, with intraoperative bleeding being the most frequent one. Relapses occurred in 5% of cases. The mean follow-up was 48.8 months. CONCLUSION: Exclusively surgical treatment by Le Fort I access proved to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of nasoangiofibromas, permitting the removal of tumors even in patients with extension to the CNS, with a low rate of complications and relapses.

Two-stage treatment of facial asymmetry caused by unilateral condylar hyperplasia.

Condylar hyperplasia (CH) is a rare, self-limiting process manifesting between the first and third decades of life. CH causes facial asymmetry and derangement of the occlusion. Management involves resection of the condylar head and orthognathic surgery. This paper describes the case of a 37-year-old woman with spontaneous onset of CH over a span of approximately 25 years. The condition was managed with resection of the condyle alone, which dramatically improved facial asymmetry and altered the occlusion within a few months of follow up. Orthodontic treatment was then carried out and the patient underwent orthognathic surgery after 3 years. The patient is currently satisfied with her appearance and function and there are no signs of recurrence.

Correlation between cephalometric data and severity of sleep apnea.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome has a high prevalence among adults. Cephalometric variables can be a valuable method for evaluating patients with this syndrome. OBJECTIVE: To correlate cephalometric data with the apnea-hypopnea sleep index. METHODS: We performed a retrospective and cross-sectional study that analyzed the cephalometric data of patients followed in the Sleep Disorders Outpatient Clinic of the Discipline of Otorhinolaryngology of a university hospital, from June 2007 to May 2012. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients were included, 45 men, and 51 women, with a mean age of 50.3 years. A total of 11 patients had snoring, 20 had mild apnea, 26 had moderate apnea, and 39 had severe apnea. The distance from the hyoid bone to the mandibular plane was the only variable that showed a statistically significant correlation with the apnea-hypopnea index. CONCLUSION: Cephalometric variables are useful tools for the understanding of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The distance from the hyoid bone to the mandibular plane showed a statistically significant correlation with the apnea-hypopnea index.

Changes of the retrolingual pharynx during the Muller manoeuvre and during sleep in sleep apnoea.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the retrolingual pharynx shows the same morphometric modifications during the Muller manoeuvre and during drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) with propofol in patients submitted for maxillomandibular advancement surgery. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients submitted for maxillomandibular advancement surgery (MMAS) were evaluated endoscopically before and 6 month after surgery in the region of the retrolingual pharynx while seated and lying in dorsal decubitus (supine) while performing the Muller manoeuvre and during DISE with propofol, to verify and measure if the same morphometric changes occur in the retrolingual pharynx during the Muller manoeuvre and during DISE with propofol. The area, anteroposterior, and laterolateral retrolingual pharynx images were acquired using the Sony Vegas 8.0 software and recorded on a DVD. The Image J software was used to measure and compare these images. RESULTS: An increase in the pharyngeal aperture was observed in all measurements after surgery, specifically in area retrolingual pharynx images. When the Muller manoeuvre was performed, a greater gain (113%) in area retrolingual pharynx measurement was observed when the patient was awake and seated. With the patient was in dorsal decubitus during DISE with propofol there was a greater gain in area retrolingual pharynx measurement (201.33%) in the smaller aperture. CONCLUSION: The Muller manoeuvre after MMAS does not simulate the dimensions of the pharynx that occur during sleep.

Two-Stage Treatment of Facial Asymmetry Caused by Unilateral Condylar Hyperplasia

Condylar hyperplasia (CH) is a rare, self-limiting process manifesting between the first and third decades of life. CH causes facial asymmetry and derangement of the occlusion. Management involves resection of the condylar head and orthognathic surgery. This paper describes the case of a 37-year-old woman with spontaneous onset of CH over a span of approximately 25 years. The condition was managed with resection of the condyle alone, which dramatically improved facial asymmetry and altered the occlusion within a few months of follow up. Orthodontic treatment was then carried out and the patient underwent orthognathic surgery after 3 years. The patient is currently satisfied with her appearance and function and there are no signs of recurrence.

Hiperplasia condilar (HC) é um processo raro e auto-limitativo que ocorre entre a 1a e a 3a décadas de vida. Ela causa assimetria facial e alteração da oclusão. O tratamento envolve ressecção da cabeça do côndilo e cirurgia ortognática. Este artigo descreve o caso de uma mulher de 37 anos com início espontâneo de HC e duração de aproximadamente 25 anos. O tratamento foi feito com ressecção apenas do côndilo, o que melhorou consideravelmente a assimetria facial e a oclusão em poucos meses de acompanhamento. Seguiu-se o tratamento ortodôntico e a paciente foi submetida a cirurgia ortognática três anos depois. Atualmente a paciente está satisfeita com sua aparência e função, sem apresentar sinais de recorrência.

Correlation between cephalometric data and severity of sleep apnea / Correlação entre dados cefalométricos e gravidade da apneia do sono

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome has a high prevalence among adults. Cephalometric variables can be a valuable method for evaluating patients with this syndrome. OBJECTIVE: To correlate cephalometric data with the apnea-hypopnea sleep index. METHODS: We performed a retrospective and cross-sectional study that analyzed the cephalometric data of patients followed in the Sleep Disorders Outpatient Clinic of the Discipline of Otorhinolaryngology of a university hospital, from June 2007 to May 2012. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients were included, 45 men, and 51 women, with a mean age of 50.3 years. A total of 11 patients had snoring, 20 had mild apnea, 26 had moderate apnea, and 39 had severe apnea. The distance from the hyoid bone to the mandibular plane was the only variable that showed a statistically significant correlation with the apnea-hypopnea index. CONCLUSION: Cephalometric variables are useful tools for the understanding of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The distance from the hyoid bone to the mandibular plane showed a statistically significant correlation with the apnea-hypopnea index. .

INTRODUÇÃO: A síndrome da apneia do sono apresenta grande prevalência na população adulta. A cefalometria com análise das variáveis morfológicas pode ser um método valioso na avaliação de pacientes com essa síndrome. OBJETIVO: Correlacionar dados cefalométricos com o índice de apneia-hipopneia do sono, com a finalidade de detectar fatores preditores para a gravidade da síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo, em que foram analisadas cefalometrias de pacientes em acompanhamento no ambulatório de distúrbios do sono da disciplina de Otorrinolaringologia, de um hospital universitário terciário, no período de junho de 2007 a maio de 2012. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 96 pacientes, sendo 45 homens e 51 mulheres. Onze pacientes eram portadores de roncopatia, 20 de apneia leve, 26 de apneia moderada e 39 de apneia grave. A única variável cefalométrica que apresentou correlação estatisticamente significante com o índice de apneia e hipoapneia foi a distância linear perpendicular do osso hioide ao plano mandibular. CONCLUSÃO: As variáveis cefalométricas podem ser úteis no entendimento da síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono e uma atenção deve ser dada à variável que mede a distância do hioide perpendicularmente ao plano mandibular. .

Multiple supernumerary teeth in a nonsyndromic 12-year-old female patient - a case report.

Supernumerary teeth (ST) are uncommon alterations of development that may appear in either of the dental arches and that are frequently associated with syndromes such as cleidocranial dysplasia and Gardner syndrome. Multiple ST in individuals with no other disease or syndrome are very rare. In view of this situation, correct diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of ST with the use of appropriate imaging techniques are highly important. This case report presents radiographic images of a nonsyndromic 12-year-old female patient who presented with 14 supernumerary teeth and was treated under general anesthesia, with the extraction of all ST in a single surgical intervention. During the postoperative period, the patient did not complain of pain nor did she present any signs or symptoms of infection. During late follow-up period, due to difficulty in traction of the maxillary right canine and mandibular left first premolar towards the dental arch, it was necessary to extract these teeth under local anesthesia. Radiographic examination 3 years after surgery revealed the absence of ST and of diseases related to the existence of these teeth.

Multiple Supernumerary Teeth in a Nonsyndromic 12-Year-Old Female Patient - A Case Report

Supernumerary teeth (ST) are uncommon alterations of development that may appear in either of the dental arches and that are frequently associated with syndromes such as cleidocranial dysplasia and Gardner syndrome. Multiple ST in individuals with no other disease or syndrome are very rare. In view of this situation, correct diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of ST with the use of appropriate imaging techniques are highly important. This case report presents radiographic images of a nonsyndromic 12-year-old female patient who presented with 14 supernumerary teeth and was treated under general anesthesia, with the extraction of all ST in a single surgical intervention. During the postoperative period, the patient did not complain of pain nor did she present any signs or symptoms of infection. During late follow-up period, due to difficulty in traction of the maxillary right canine and mandibular left first premolar towards the dental arch, it was necessary to extract these teeth under local anesthesia. Radiographic examination 3 years after surgery revealed the absence of ST and of diseases related to the existence of these teeth.

Os dentes supranumerários (DS) são alterações de desenvolvimento pouco frequentes, que podem aparecer em qualquer das arcadas dentárias e estão frequentemente associadas a síndromes como a displasia cleidocraniana e síndrome de Gardner. Múltiplos DS em indivíduos com nenhuma outra doença ou síndrome são muito raros. Diante dessa situação, o correto diagnóstico, tratamento e avaliação dos DS com estudo de imagens apropriadas são de significativa importância. No presente relato de caso, os autores apresentam imagens radiográficas de uma paciente não sindrômica de 12 anos de idade, gênero feminino, com 14 dentes supranumerários, em que o tratamento cirúrgico foi instituído sob anestesia geral, com extração de todos os DS em uma única intervenção cirúrgica. Durante o período pós-operatório, a paciente não se queixou de dor, como também não houve quaisquer sinais ou sintomas de infecção. Durante o acompanhamento, devido à dificuldade de tração do canino superior direito e primeiro pré-molar inferior em direção ao arco dental, foi necessário remover estes dentes sob anestesia local. O exame radiográfico de 3 anos após a cirurgia revelou a ausência dos DS e de doenças relacionadas com a existência desses dentes.

A Cephalometric Analysis for Evaluation of Changes in Soft Tissues in the Regions of the Upper and Lower Lips and Chin due to Orthognathic Maxillary Advancement Surgery

Introduction: There is currently no consensus regarding the best method for predicting the changes in soft tissues due to the modification of hard tissues in orthognathic surgery. Objective: To measure the changes in soft tissues of the upper lip, lower lip, and chin regions due to the modifications of hard tissues caused by orthognathic maxillary advancement surgery using a cephalometric methodology. Methods:  The study was conducted on 35 patients with dentoskeletal and facial deformities submitted to orthognathic maxillary advancement surgery. Two teleradiographs were taken: one during the preoperative period and the other 1 year after the surgery, on which the cephalometric tracing was drawn. Results: A strong correlation (r = 0.747) was demonstrated in the horizontal analysis between the hard A (Ah) point (located in the deepest point of the anterior curvature of the maxilla) and the soft A (As) point in the advancement of the maxilla, with a mean variation of 0.859% occurring in As with each 1% variation of the Ah point. A mean variation of 0.698% occurred in the superior soft prostion point (prolongation of the superior hard prostion point to its corresponding point on soft tissue) for each 1% variation in the superior hard prostion point (bone point located at the junction of the alveolar process with the crown of the upper incisors). Conclusion: The cephalometric methodology applied here revealed that the soft tissues of the upper lip accompanied 70 to 80% of the movement of hard tissues in maxillary advancement and that the soft tissues of the lower lip did not change or showed no significant changes...

A Cephalometric Analysis for Evaluation of Changes in Soft Tissues in the Regions of the Upper and Lower Lips and Chin due to Orthognathic Maxillary Advancement Surgery.

Introduction There is currently no consensus regarding the best method for predicting the changes in soft tissues due to the modification of hard tissues in orthognathic surgery. Objective To measure the changes in soft tissues of the upper lip, lower lip, and chin regions due to the modifications of hard tissues caused by orthognathic maxillary advancement surgery using a cephalometric methodology. Methods The study was conducted on 35 patients with dentoskeletal and facial deformities submitted to orthognathic maxillary advancement surgery. Two teleradiographs were taken: one during the preoperative period and the other 1 year after the surgery, on which the cephalometric tracing was drawn. Results A strong correlation (r = 0.747) was demonstrated in the horizontal analysis between the hard A (Ah) point (located in the deepest point of the anterior curvature of the maxilla) and the soft A (As) point in the advancement of the maxilla, with a mean variation of 0.859% occurring in As with each 1% variation of the Ah point. A mean variation of 0.698% occurred in the superior soft prostion point (prolongation of the superior hard prostion point to its corresponding point on soft tissue) for each 1% variation in the superior hard prostion point (bone point located at the junction of the alveolar process with the crown of the upper incisors). Conclusion The cephalometric methodology applied here revealed that the soft tissues of the upper lip accompanied 70 to 80% of the movement of hard tissues in maxillary advancement and that the soft tissues of the lower lip did not change or showed no significant changes.

Volumetric analysis of the pharynx in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treated with maxillomandibular advancement (MMA).

INTRODUCTION: Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) has been reported to be the most effective surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Most reports about MMA aim to confirm the efficiency of this treatment modality, but few describe the anatomical changes produced in the pharynx by the surgery. Thus, the objective of the present investigation was to quantify the anatomical changes of the pharynx that occur in patients with OSA after MMA surgery using magnetic resonance (MR). METHODS: Twenty patients with a polysomnographic diagnosis of OSA participated in the study. All patients were submitted to image acquisition by MR performed during wakefulness. Polysomnography and MR were performed preoperatively and 6 months after MMA. Volume analysis (in cubic millimeters) was performed as the sum of the areas multiplied by their thickness, with no intervals between sections. The pharyngeal air space of the region between the hard palate and the base of the epiglottis was divided into a retropalatal (RP) region and a retrolingual (RL) region. RESULTS: Postoperative MR showed a mean volumetric increase of 26.72 % in the RP region and of 27.2 % in the RL region. DISCUSSION: MMA increases the air space of the pharynx by expanding the facial skeletal structure to which the soft tissues of the pharynx and tongue are fixed, with a consequent reduction of collapsibility in the presence of negative pressure during inspiration. This reduced possibility of pharyngeal collapse may contribute to the reduction of obstructive events.

Comparison of the area of the pharynx during wakefulness and induced sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

UNLABELLED: The study of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has received growing attention over the past years since various aspects have not been sufficiently established. AIM: To evaluate, with the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), changes in the area of the pharynx during wakefulness and induced sleep in patients with OSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study of thirty-two patients with a polysomnographic diagnosis of OSA. All patients were submitted to MR imaging in order to obtain high-definition anatomical sagittal sequences during wakefulness and during sleep induced with Propofol. An area was defined on the sagittal plane in the midline of the pharynx. This region was called pharyngeal midplane (PMP) area. RESULTS: A significant difference in PMP area (mm²) was observed between wakefulness and induced sleep in each patient (p < 0.000001). CONCLUSION: The patients with OSA suffer a significant reduction of 75.5 % in the area of the pharynx during induced sleep compared to wakefulness.