Upper Airway Changes and OSAS Risk in Patients after Mandibular Setback Surgery to Treat III Class Skeletal Malocclusion

Introduction: Mandibular setback surgery (MSS) is one of the treatment options to resolve mandibular prognathism in patients suffering from skeletal class III malocclusion, which cannot be treated with simple orthodontic treatment. The surgical operation can involve changes pharyngeal morphology, resulting a narrowing posterior airway space (PAS). This aspect associated an increase airflow resistance, increases risk developing snoring or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). aim this study evaluate medium- and long-term effects on upper airways its possible association OSAS malocclusion. Material methods: A total 12 (5 males 7 females) were enrolled study. statistical tests highlighted significant change PAS BMI values relation T0, before (PAS: 12.7 SD: 1.2; BMI: 21.7 1.2), T1, after 10.3 0.6, p < 0.01; 23.8 1.2, 0.05). Sample size was calculated detect effect 0.9, power set at 0.8 significance level 0.05. Results: No statistically correlation found between extent setback, change. Conclusion: confirms airways, reporting reduction follow-up. On other hand, no direct identified risk, least for small (<8 mm), despite BMI.