Three-dimensional Evaluation of Superior Airway Space in Class II Patients Undergoing Orthognathic Surgery with Counterclockwise Rotation of the Maxillomandibular Complex

The aim  of this retrospective study was to evaluate  alterations in the superior airway space in Class II patients undergoing orthognathic surgery with counterclockwise rotation of Maxillomandibular Complex using Cone-beam computer tomography (CBCT) scans and the software program Dolphin Imaging® 11.5 (Dolphin Imaging and Management Solutions, Chatsworth,CA,USA)  for three-dimensional measurement of surface area (AS) , minimum axial area (MAA) and volume (VOL) of the superior airway space. Twenty-three patients with a history of respiratory disorders were assessed, 15 females and 8 males  with a mean age of 34.04 years (16 to 64 years). They were subjected to computer tomographies analyzes at two time intervals: T1 (preoperatively) and T2 (postoperative minimum of 6 months). The data obtained were tabulated and statistically analyzed. A t-Student and Wilcoxon paired test was used, with statistically significant results being obtained (p< 0.05), regarding an increase in superior airway space in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery with counterclockwise rotation of the MMC in this study.

The surgical technique performed increases the superior airway space, with mean postoperative gain of 178 mm² in surface area, 76.67 mm² in minimal axial area and 10118.5 mm³ in volume, favoring the treatment of respiratory disorders .