Abstract

MARTINEZ PLAZA, Adoración et al. Mandibular distraction: treatment of obstructive apnea in neonates with micrognathia. Rev Esp Cirug Oral y Maxilofac [online]. 2011, vol.33, n.2, pp.67-74. ISSN 2173-9161.

Craniofacial malformations (Pierre-Robin sequence, Treacher-Collins syndrome, Nager syndrome, etc.) are frequently accompanied by severe mandibular hypoplasia, which can cause upper airway obstruction due to retroposition of the base of the tongue in the posterior pharyngeal space. The majority of patients respond to postural treatment in decubitus prono. It may be necessary to monitor oxygen saturation and insert a nasopharyngeal or even an endotracheal tube. Tracheostomy may be necessary in more serious cases with long and frequent apnea pauses, but it is associated with high morbidity and occasional mortality. In the last two years, four children with severe obstructive apnea secondary to mandibular hypoplasia were treated by means of "osteogenic mandibular distraction" in the multidisciplinary Cleft Palate Department of Virgin de las Nieves Hospital (Granada, Spain). This procedure effectively resolved the problem, making tracheostomy unnecessary and lengthening the jaw within 3-4 weeks; in this period, obstructive respiratory problems and swallowing difficulties disappeared. The aesthetic results were excellent and the complications so far have been minimal. Objective: To present the results of a patient series with several types of POP treated using the same approach and operation.

Keywords : Osteogenic mandibular distraction; Mandibular hypoplasia; Obstructive apnea.

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