Mandibular advancement devices assisted UPPP for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanics of mandibular advancement devices (MAD) assisted uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). METHODS: 10 patients (8 males, 2 females) were diagnosed as OSAHS by PSG and operated by UPPP. Mandibular advancement devices was used after operation. One month later, all the patients were evaluated by PSG and cephalometric analysis. Paired t test and correlative analysis were carried out using SPSS 10.0 software package. RESULTS: Cephalometric analysis indicated that MCF, angle C3-Rgn-H, Ant In Mx. Ht were significantly different before and after MAD treatment. AHI was correlative with Ant In Mx. Ht and ratio of tongue area and intermaxillary area(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MAD in patients undergoing UPPP results in changes of mandibular position, instead of changes of enlargement of velopharynx. Supported by Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline Project (Grant No.Y0203).