Management of obstructive sleep apnea in a Treacher Collins syndrome patient using distraction osteogenesis of the mandible

ABSTRACT

In this study, we present the surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in a child with Treacher Collins syndrome. A 10-year-old girl with a past history of Treacher Collins syndrome presented to our clinic with her parents for respiratory distress and insomnia. The patient was referred to a sleep laboratory where she was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, which was a consequence of her Treacher Collins syndrome. The patient underwent mandibular distraction osteogenesis under general anesthesia. The mandible was expanded by 15 mm using internal bilateral distractors. After distraction osteogenesis, the patient’s respiratory problems resolved, and she was able to sleep comfortably. Distraction osteogenesis was an effective method of advancing the mandible, increasing the upper airway space and ultimately preventing obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in patients with Treacher Collins syndrome.