How does bimaxillary orthognathic surgery change dimensions of maxillary sinuses and pharyngeal airway space?

Abstract

Objectives: To assess changes in the maxillary sinus (MS) and pharyngeal airway space (PAS) after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: The CBCT scans of 48 patients were divided into two groups: Group 1: Maxillary advancement and mandibular setback (n=24); group 2: Maxillomandibular advancement (n = 24). The CBCTs were acquired 1 to 2 months preoperatively and 6 to 8 months postoperatively. A kappa test was used to determine intra- and interexaminer agreement. Area, volume, and linear measurements of MSs and PASs obtained before and after surgery were compared using a mixed model (P < .05). Results: All variables of the MS showed significant postsurgical reductions in both groups, except the MS length, which showed a significant increase in group 2. Volume and minimum axial area of PAS showed statistically significant postsurgical increases in both groups (P