THREE-DIMENSIONAL ASSESSMENT OF THE UPPER AIRWAYS IN PATIENTS SUBMITTED TO ORTHOGNACTIC SURGERY
Orthognathic Surgery; Airway, occlusal plane
The purpose of this work was to analyze the three-dimensional changes in the upper airway after orthognathic surgery procedures. Pre (T1) and postoperative (T2) CT scans were used, standardizing craniometric points that served as a reference, to analyze linear and volumetric changes of different areas in the upper airway. Twenty-two patients were included in the study, having undergone bimaxillary surgery with alteration of the occlusal plane. All cases were planned virtually, and the Dolphin Imaging software (version 11.9) was used for linear measurements, as well as the calculation of the area of the total upper area, its 3 subdivisions and the region of greatest constriction. Comparing the changes in the airway segments pre and post in ST2 and ST3, there were no statistically significant differences for the clockwise (GH) and anti-clockwise (GAH) turns. However, it was clear an increase in the airway in its entirety. The averages of the ST2DPRE and ST3DPRE segments were higher when compared to the post, despite the total 3D airway increase in the post. In the evaluation of points B and Pg, statistical significance was found for GH and GAH, with higher values for AH direction. In the evaluation of our cases, there was no significant influence of point A in the airways. There was a positive correlation between the pre and post constriction value and the total pre and post 3D value.