Rapid maxillary expansion for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with maxillary constriction

ABSTRACT

The precise role of maxillary constriction in the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea [OSA] is becoming more understood. It is believed that subjects with maxillary constriction have increased nasal resistance leading to the classic features of OSA. Widening of the maxillary constriction by rapid maxillary expansion [RME] increases the width of the maxilla and reduces the nasal airway resistance. This is pillory study aimed at confirming the effect of RME on OSA in patients with maxillary constriction and no other recognized cause [s] of OSA. We studied 5 patients with mild-moderate OSA [apena/hypopna index-AHI 17 +/- 4 and min S[a]O[2] 89 +/- 1] and orthodontic evidence of maxillary constriction. All cases underwent RME [two requiring surgical assistance]. Polysomnography was repeated at the end of treatment. All patients showed improvement of symptoms of OSA. There was significant reduction in AHI and expansion in the transverse dimensions of the hard palate