Nasal cavity size, airway resistance, and subjective sensation after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion: a prospective longitudinal study.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

The aims of this study were to measure changes in nasal minimum cross-sectional area and nasal airway resistance after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion and to explore a possible correlation with the subjective sensation of nasal obstruction.

METHODS:

Minimum cross-sectional area and nasal airway resistance were measured in 39 consecutive patients treated with surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion. Subjective nasal obstruction was assessed by a questionnaire at pretreatment and at 3 and 18 months postoperatively.

RESULTS:

Subjective nasal obstruction had improved significantly by 3 months postoperatively. Minimum cross-sectional area increased and nasal airway resistance decreased. No correlations were found. In subjects with pretreatment subjective nasal obstruction and initially narrow anterior minimum cross-sectional area, there was a significant correlation between a moderate increase in anterior minimum cross-sectional area and improvement in perceived nasal obstruction. Eighteen months postoperatively, no changes were found from pretreatment values for subjective nasal obstruction, minimal cross-sectional area, or nasal airway resistance, and there were no correlations. Subjects with a sensation of nasal obstruction at treatment start reported a lasting significant subjective improvement.

CONCLUSIONS:

The postoperative effects of surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion did not persist in the long term. No correlation was found between objective and subjective findings. Subjects with pretreatment nasal obstruction, however, reported a lasting sensation of improved nasal function after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion.

• Authors: Anders Magnusson, Krister Bjerklin, Peter Nilsson, Fredrik Jönsson, Agneta Marcusson
• Journal: American journal of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics : official publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, its constituent societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop) Vol. 140 Issue 5 Pg. 641-51 (Nov 2011) ISSN: 1097-6752 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22051484 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Airway Resistance (physiology)
• Anatomy, Cross-Sectional
• Cranial Sutures (surgery)
• Dental Arch (surgery)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Longitudinal Studies
• Male
• Malocclusion (therapy)
• Maxilla (surgery)
• Nasal Cartilages (pathology)
• Nasal Cavity (pathology, physiopathology)
• Nasal Obstruction (physiopathology, therapy)
• Orthodontic Appliance Design
• Osteotomy (methods)
• Palatal Expansion Technique (instrumentation)
• Palate, Hard (surgery)
• Prospective Studies
• Rhinomanometry
• Rhinometry, Acoustic
• Sensation (physiology)
• Turbinates (pathology)
• Young Adult