Pharyngeal airway evaluation after isolated mandibular setback surgery using cone-beam computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we investigated volumetric and dimensional changes to the pharyngeal airway space after isolated mandibular setback surgery for patients with Class III skeletal dysplasia.

METHODS: Records of 28 patients who had undergone combined orthodontic and mandibular setback surgery were obtained. The sample comprised 17 men and 11 women. Their mean age was 23.88 ± 6.57 years (range, 18-52 years). Cone-beam computed tomography scans were obtained at 3 time points: before surgery, average of 6 months after surgery, and average of 1 year after surgery. Oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and total volumes were calculated. The lateral surface and anteroposterior dimensions at the minimal axial areas for oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal volumes and mean mandibular setback were determined.

RESULTS: The mean mandibular setback was 9.93 ± 5.26 mm. Repeated measures analysis of variance determined an overall significant decrease between the means for 6 months and up to 1 year after surgery for oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal volumes, anteroposterior at oropharyngeal, lateral surface at oropharyngeal, and anteroposterior at hypopharyngeal. No strong correlation between mandibular setback surgery and pharyngeal airway volumes or dimensions was determined.

CONCLUSIONS: After mandibular setback surgery, pharyngeal airway volume, and transverse and anteroposterior dimensions were decreased. Patients undergoing mandibular setback surgery should be evaluated for obstructive sleep apnea and the proposed treatment plan modified according to the risk for potential airway compromise.