A preoperative predictive study of advantages of airway changes after maxillomandibular advancement surgery using computational fluid dynamics analysis

PLoS One. 2021 Aug 11;16(8):e0255973. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255973. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a simulation approach for predicting maxillomandibular advancement-induced airway changes using computational fluid dynamics. Eight patients with jaw deformities who underwent maxillomandibular advancement and genioglossus advancement surgery were included in this study. Computed tomography scans and rhinomanometric readings were performed both preoperatively and postoperatively. Computational fluid dynamics models were created, and airflow simulations were performed using computational fluid dynamics software; the preferable number of computational mesh points was at least 10 million cells. The results for the right and left nares, including simulation and postoperative measurements, were qualitatively consistent, and surgery reduced airflow pressure loss. Geometry prediction simulation results were qualitatively consistent with the postoperative stereolithography data and postoperative simulation results. Simulations were performed with either the right or left naris blocked, and the predicted values were similar to those found clinically. In addition, geometry prediction simulation results were qualitatively consistent with the postoperative stereolithography data and postoperative simulation results. These findings suggest that geometry prediction simulation facilitates the preoperative prediction of the postoperative structural outcome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Computer Simulation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydrodynamics*
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Orthognathic Surgical Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Pharynx / diagnostic imaging
  • Pharynx / physiopathology*
  • Preoperative Care*
  • Pulmonary Ventilation
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / surgery*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

This study was supported by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (KAKENHI, no. 19K10294) grants from the Dental Research Center (2019, 2020 and 2021) and Sato Fund (2018), Nihon University School of Dentistry (Tokyo, Japan).