Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion. Effects on the nasal airways and nasal septum

Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) is a standardized method to treat cross bites in maxillofacial surgery. Changes to the nasal airways are assumed due to the anatomic dependence between the palate and the nasal floor. In this study 19 patients with a transverse deficit of the upper jaw underwent SARME. CT scans were performed 1 month pre- and 6 months postoperatively. Effects to the lower nasal airways, the nasal septum and the hard palate were subsequently evaluated. The mean distraction width of the upper jaws was 5.84 mm (SD 2.19) postoperatively. In addition to the dentoalveolar gain in width, a significant increase in the nasal floor was observed (p