EFFECT OF MANDIBULAR DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS ON AIRWAY IN PATIENTS WITH TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT ANKYLOSIS

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to clinically and cephalometrically evaluate the pharyngeal airway following mandibular distraction osteogenesis in patients with TMJ ankylosis and retrognathic mandible. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 patients were included in this study. These patients were thoroughly evaluated pre-operatively and post-operatively both clinically and radiologically using McNamara analysis allowing comparison of pre-op and post-op findings. Results: Out of 10 patients seven were females while three were male (Mean age 13.40 ±5.358 SD). Mean pre-operative UPPER airway width was 6.20±3.155 SD as compared to mean Post-operative upper airway (7.30±2.907 SD) with a statistically significant p-value (0.003). Mean pre-operative LOWER airway width was 4.90±1.969 SD as compared to mean Post-operative lower airway (7.10±2.9282 SD) with a statistically non-significant p-value (0.013). There was a negative correlation between post-operative lower airway and age (r= -0.26, sig=0.48). Conclusion: Mandibular distraction Osteogenesis can be used successfully in TMJ ankylosis patients with retrognathic mandible for the improvement of pharyngeal airway dimensions and relief from symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea due to decreased pharyngeal space.