Changing of facial skeleton for treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.

Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is a potentially life-threatening disorder. It is characterized by at least five episodes of apnoea or hypopnoea during sleep lasting for more than 10 seconds. Apnoea or hypopnoea are accompanied by respiratory efforts. Changes of the facial skeleton by mandibular or maxillo-mandibular advancement belong to surgical techniques which might affect moderate and severe OSAS. In the surgical procedure mandible alone or the upper and lower jaws are moved forward by at least 10 mm. Thus also muscles fixed to the facial skeleton and upper airway dilatators are moved forward. The discussion also mentions possible complications and limitations of this surgical technique.