Introduction: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is ineffective in some patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and some patients do not tolerate it. This study evaluated the outcomes of maxillo-mandibular advancement in OSAS patients without morbid obesity or severe maxillo-mandibular deformity who had first been treated with CPAP for at least 6 months.
Methods: A retrospective study reporting on the experience of the CHU Toulouse Rangueil sleep disorder centre between 1998 and 2004. We performed polysomnography and cephalometry before and 3 months after surgery.
Results: 25 male patients with mean apnoea hypopnoea index at 45/hour (+/-15) were treated by maxillo-mandibular advancement. The mean age of participants was 48 years (+/-7), and the mean body mass index was 28 kg/m2 (+/-3.4). Cephalometry demonstrated a retroposition of the mandible (SNB < 80 degrees +/-5) and narrow linguopharyngeal space (ELP = 8 mm+/-3). 3 months after surgery the apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI) had decreased from 45+/-15 to 7+/-7 (p < 0.0001), the Epworth sleepiness scale decreased from 11+/-5 to 6+/-4 (p < 0.01). The linguopharyngeal space was larger (ELP = 14 mm). Success rate defined as an AHI < 15/hour was 89%, and 74% for an AHI < 10/hour. 16 patients underwent polysomnography one year after surgery. The results were the same. There were no post surgical complications, except for one patient who developed permanent labial hypoesthesia.
Conclusions: Maxillo-mandibular advancement seems to be an effective 2nd line therapy for the treatment of severe OSAS.