Validation of a Finite Element Model for Clinical and Virtual Evaluation of the Changes in Airway Dimensions Following Class III Bimaxillary Orthognathic Surgery.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate pharyngeal airway changes in adult skeletal Class III cases whose bimaxillary surgical treatments were planned with different amounts of maxillary and mandibular movement using lateral cephalometric radiographs and finite element analysis (FEA). Our null hypothesis was that bimaxillary orthognathic surgery in which maxillary forward movement (MF) is greater than mandibular backward movement (MB) will result in more expansion of the pharyngeal airway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 31 individuals (11 females, 20 males) with class III skeletal deformity were included in the study. Patients who underwent bimaxillary orthognathic surgery with greater maxillary advancement (MF > MB) were categorized in Group 1 ( = 15), and those with greater mandibular set-back (MB > MF) as Group 2 ( = 16). Changes in airway dimensions were evaluated from lateral cephalometric radiographs. In addition, FEA modeling was used to determine pharyngeal airway changes with 5 different MF/MB combinations performed in skeletal class III bimaxillary surgeries.

RESULTS

Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal airway dimensions increased in direct proportion to the amount of MF. Hypopharyngeal volume decreased compared to preoperative value in direct proportion to the decrease in MB. According to the FEA models, total pharyngeal airway volume decreased when MF was less than or equal to MB, was nearly unchanged when MF was 2 mm greater than MB, and increased when MF was 4 mm greater than MB. The results of FEA and lateral cephalometric analysis were compatible.

CONCLUSION

Our results supported the null hypothesis. We concluded that when possible, planning slightly more maxillary advancement than mandibular set-back will not have an adverse impact on the airway. Although the skeletal deformity only causes forward displacement of the mandible, dividing the skeletal correction between the maxilla and mandible may be considered to avoid the risk to patients' quality of life in terms of respiratory function.