Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: correction by mandibular advancement

Abstract

The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is being recognized with increasing frequency in patients whose loud "heroic" snoring is coupled with significant and frequently debilitating daytime somnolence. Polysomnographic testing can clearly establish the diagnosis of this problem, but the etiology is multifactorial and the treatment options are varied. Although mandibular retrusion is not infrequently identified in patients with OSAS, the role of mandibular advancement surgery in the treatment of OSAS has not been defined. A nonobese 43-year-old white man with documented OSAS and mandibular retrusion had multidisciplinary treatment including surgical advancement of the mandible in conjunction with orthodontic treatment and prosthetic dental rehabilitation. No operation was done on the palate, nor was any other treatment provided for the OSAS. Resolution of the OSAS with dramatic improvement of the patient's snoring was achieved. This case illustrates the successful integration of corrective jaw surgery into the treatment plan for this type of patient.