Changes in Tongue Area, Pharyngeal Area, and Pharyngeal Airway Velocity after Correction of Mandibular Prognathism

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the amount of mandibular setback, and the related changes of the tongue area, pharyngeal area, and pharyngeal airflow velocity. Twenty-five patients treated for mandibular prognathism, and serial cephalograms were obtained (T1: preoperation, T2: more than one year postoperation). The postoperative area of the tongue, pharyngeal airway space, and pharyngeal airflow velocity were investigated. Statistical analysis was performed with the Student t-test and Pearson correlation. The amount of mandible setback was significant after surgery (12.8 mm; p < 0.001). The pharyngeal area was significantly reduced 115.5 mm2 (p = 0.046). There was a slight reduction of the tongue area (43.2 mm2; p = 0.305) and an increase of pharyngeal airflow velocity (0.3 m/s; p = 0.133). The Pearson correlation coefficient test showed no statistical significance among the amount of horizontal setback and vertical movement of the mandible, such as the reductions in the tongue area, the pharyngeal airway space, and the increase in pharyngeal airflow velocity. Larger amounts of mandibular setback caused a significant reduction of pharyngeal airway area, but without significant changes of the tongue area and pharyngeal airflow velocity.

Regression Models of the Area of the Soft Palate and Tongue in Young Men and Young Women With an Orthognathic Bite Without and Taking Into Account the Type of Face Depending on Teleroentgenometric Indicators of the Upper Respiratory Tract

“…After the correction of mandibular prognathism, a significant decrease in the area of the pharynx (p=0.046), a slight decrease in the area of the tongue (p=0.305) and an increase in the speed of air flow in the pharynx (p=0.133) were noted [5]. In another study, after a similar procedure, a significant increase in tongue length (р<0.001), a significant increase in airway parameters (р<0.001) was also found [20].…”

Changes in Pharyngeal Airway Space and Oxygen Saturation Following Mandibular Setback Surgery: A Narrative Review

“…In orthognathic surgery, the mandibular setback is commonly performed using the bilateral sagittal split osteotomy to improve aesthetics, masticatory function, and occlusion through changes in the mandibular position [ 5 ]. Mandibular setback surgery is commonly used for functional and aesthetic correction in mandibular prognathism patients [ 6 , 7 ]. Mandibular prognathism and anterior open bite commonly present with higher gonial angle, macroglossia, forward tongue position, and higher mandibular plane angle.…”

“…Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by / 4.0/) [ 7 ].…”