Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis of the Posterior Airway Space After Maxillomandibular Advancement for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Purpose This study evaluated the soft tissue change of the upper airway after maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) using computational fluid dynamics. Materials and Methods Eight patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome who required MMA were recruited into this study. All participants underwent pre- and postoperative computed tomography and then MMA by a single oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Upper airway computed tomographic datasets for these 8 patients were created with high-fidelity 3-dimensional numerical models for computational fluid dynamics. The 3-dimensional models were simulated and analyzed to study how changes in airway anatomy affect the pressure effort required for normal breathing. Airway dimensions, skeletal changes, apnea-hypopnea index, and pressure effort of pre- and postoperative 3-dimensional models were compared and correlations were interpreted. Results After MMA, laminar and turbulent air flows were significantly decreased at every level of the airway. The cross-sectional areas at the soft palate and tongue base were significantly increased. Conclusions This study showed that MMA increased airway dimensions by increasing the distance from the occipital base to the pogonion. An increase of this distance showed a significant correlation with an improvement in the apnea-hypopnea index and a decreased pressure effort of the upper airway. Decreasing the pressure effort will decrease the breathing workload. This improves the condition of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.