Upper airway asymmetry in skeletal Class III malocclusions with mandibular deviation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between bilateral differences of upper airway and mandibular morphologic patterns in subjects with skeletal Class III mandibular deviation. 47 skeletal Class III (ANB < 0°) adult patients with and without mandibular deviation were divided into 2 groups. Bilateral differences of minimum cross-sectional area, mean cross-sectional area, volume of subdivisions (nasopharynx, palatopharynx, glossopharynx, hypopharynx) were assessed paired t test. Stepwise linear regression analysis and Pearson correlation coefficients were computed between a significant pair of upper airway variables and a pair of mandibular deviation variables to examine the quantitative relationship between the upper airway asymmetry and mandibular deviation. The mean cross-sectional area and the volume of palatopharynx on the deviated side in mandibular deviated group was significantly smaller than non-deviated side. The asymmetry index of the palatopharyngeal volume showed significant correlations with CRA asymmetry (r = 0.49) and Ramus asymmetry (r = 0.54). However, in the glossopharyngeal and hypopharyngeal segment, the mandibular deviated group showed significant asymmetry, characterized by larger mean cross-sectional area and volume in deviated side. The asymmetry index of the glossopharyngeal volume and hypopharyngeal volume showed significant correlations with CRA asymmetry (r = 0.42), Me-s (r = 0.72) and Me-s (r = 0.67) respectively.

Pharyngeal Airway Morphology in Skeletal Class III With Mandibular Asymmetry is Improved After Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery

“…Differences in airway parameters were observed between the deviated and non-deviated sides of airway space, especially in C2C and C3C which were significantly larger on the deviated side than on the non-deviated side (Table S1). These findings are consistent with the results of Zheng et al 21 who reported that Class III mandibular-deviated group presented with significant asymmetry, characterized by larger mean cross-sectional area and volume on the deviated side than on the J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f non-deviated side in the glossopharyngeal segment and hypopharyngeal portion. These results suggest that mandibular asymmetry may contribute to pharyngeal airway collapsibility and pharyngeal compliance, which increases morbidity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).…”

Revolutionizing Sleep Health: The Emergence and Impact of Personalized Sleep Medicine

“…The neurological control of upper airway muscles plays a role in OSA too, as reduced muscle tone during sleep can lead to airway collapse [ 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 ]. Personalized treatment targeting this pathophysiological mechanism could include therapies to enhance the tone and function of these muscles, possibly through neuromuscular electrical stimulation or targeted exercises [ 88 ].…”

“…Lung function and respiratory control mechanisms also contribute to OSA, particularly in individuals with underlying respiratory diseases [ 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 ]. Management might involve using positive airway pressure therapies, such as CPAP, to keep the airway open, or addressing underlying respiratory conditions.…”