Cephalometric Assessment of Upper Airway Effects on Craniofacial Morphology

J Craniofac Surg. 2016 Mar;27(2):361-4. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000002388.

Abstract

To investigate craniofacial growth deformities in children with upper airway obstruction, this controlled study was performed. Cephalometry is used as a screening test for anatomic abnormalities in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Therefore, the current work selected this method to investigate the effect of upper airway obstruction on craniofacial morphology.Patients with upper airway obstruction (104) were compared with 71 controls. Patients with upper airway compromise had mandibular hypoplasia, mandibular retrognathism, and higher hard palates in comparison with controls with no history of airway obstruction. The difference was higher in the older age group.Airway obstruction has significant correlation craniofacial morphology. Our findings support the idea of early assessment and thorough management of mouth breathing in children.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Airway Obstruction / diagnosis*
  • Airway Obstruction / surgery*
  • Cephalometry / methods*
  • Esthetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mouth Breathing / physiopathology
  • Orthognathic Surgery / methods*
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / diagnosis*
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / physiopathology
  • Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / surgery*
  • Young Adult