Effects of maxillomandibular advancement on respiratory function and facial aesthetics in obstructive sleep apnoea patients with versus without maxillomandibular deficiency

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) on respiratory function between obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) patients with and without maxillomandibular deficiency, and to compare the changes in facial aesthetics after MMA between the two groups. MMA-treated patients who had both baseline and follow-up polysomnography (PSG) data and lateral cephalograms were enrolled in this retrospective study. In addition to PSG and cephalometric data, patient satisfaction with postoperative breathing and facial aesthetics, and overall satisfaction with the treatment were assessed. Twenty-one patients were classified as not having maxillomandibular deficiency (without-deficiency group) and 40 patients as having maxillomandibular deficiency (with-deficiency group). The improvements in respiratory parameters (e.g., apnoea–hypopnoea index) and patient satisfaction with postoperative breathing were comparable in the two groups (P = 0.094–0.713). The changes in facial profile measurements (e.g., nasal prominence, nasolabial angel, and lip positions relative to the true vertical line) and patient satisfaction with postoperative facial aesthetics were also comparable in the two groups (P = 0.148–0.983). In conclusion, no significant difference in the effects of MMA on respiratory function and facial aesthetics between OSA patients with and without maxillomandibular deficiency was observed.