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Sleep Breath 2002; 06(3): 115-124
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-34313
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

The Efficacy of a Mandibular Advancement Splint in Relation to Cephalometric Variables

Margot A. Skinner1 , Christopher J. Robertson2 , Ruth N. Kingshott1 , David R. Jones3 , D. Robin Taylor1
  • 1Respiratory Research Unit, Dunedin School of Medicine, Dunedin, New Zealand
  • 2Department of Oral Sciences and Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
  • 3Tom McKendrick Sleep Laboratory, Dunedin Hospital, Dunedin, New Zealand
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 September 2002 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The efficacy of a titratable mandibular advancement splint (MAS) for the management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was investigated in relation to supine cephalometric variables. Fourteen adults with diagnosed OSA were recruited following an initial polysomnogram. Supine cephalographic radiographs were taken at baseline and subjects wore the MAS nightly for 6 to 8 weeks. The polysomnogram and cephalogram were repeated with the MAS at maximal titration. The MAS resulted in complete or partial treatment response in all subjects as measured by the improvement in mean apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) (baseline AHI 34 ± 22/hr, with MAS 10 ± 5/hr; p = 0.001). The perpendicular distance between the hyoid bone and the mandibular plane (HYML) measured in awake subjects decreased with the MAS (baseline HYML 25.3 ± 7.8 mm, with MAS 16.5 ± 9.6 mm; p = 0.002). Baseline HYML was the only cephalometric variable associated with a successful clinical outcome. It was strongly linked to improvements in AHI (adjusted R2 = 0.37, p = 0.012) and arousals (adjusted R 2 = 0.455, p = 0.005). We conclude that the MAS is an effective therapy for OSA and baseline HYML is an important predictor of improvement. Improvements in AHI may be explained by the MAS maintaining the new or existing relationship of the hyoid and its surrounding structures, thus preventing obstruction in the upper airway during sleep.

KEYWORDS

Obstructive sleep apnea - cephalometry - mandibular splint

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