On the Cutting Edge

Abstract

The patient presented in this chapter had uncontrolled obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and was intolerant of positive airway pressure (PAP). Previous conservative and surgical interventions failed. The patient was successfully treated with maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery. Although many patients benefit from first-line therapy with PAP for OSA, some are intolerant of PAP and require discussion of alternative treatments. Maxillofacial surgical approaches are an option for the treatment of OSA in patients whose craniofacial anatomy is anatomically appropriate. With MMA, patients can achieve significant improvement and in many cases can achieve cure of OSA. Multiple studies support the benefits of MMA in those who are candidates for this treatment.