Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of simultaneous TMJ ankylosis (TMJA) release with uniplanar mandibular distraction in the management of facial deformity, improvement in function and obstructive sleep apnoea in growing patients.
Material and methods: Ten patients in the age group of 5-15 years with unilateral/bilateral TMJA and mild to moderate OSA and short body length but ramus height within normal limits were treated with simultaneous ankylosis release and uniplanar mandibular distraction osteogenesis. Clinical, radiographic, and OSA parameters were evaluated and followed up for 1 year.
Results: Average mandibular body length increased by 16.6 mm, mouth opening by 26.9 mm, SNB angle by 9.53°, pharyngeal airway space by 6.29 mm, chin discrepancy corrected by 5.05 mm, apnoea-Hypopnoea index decreased by 15.9, N┴Pog by 12.27 mm, oxygen saturation (Spo2) by 4.1%, and oxygen desaturation index by 17.89%. All clinical, radiographic, and OSA parameters improved and were statistically significant except for mandibular plane angle and with minimal complications.
Conclusion: Simultaneous TMJA release with uniplanar mandibular Distraction osteogenesis may be recommended as the treatment of choice in growing patients with mild to moderate OSA and facial deformity, as it causes simultaneous correction of micrognathia, facial asymmetry, OSA and prevents the need for an additional surgery.
Keywords: Distraction osteogenesis; Facial deformity; Obstructive sleep apnoea; TMJ ankylosis.
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