Outcomes of bimaxillary osteotomy for obstructive sleep apnoea
Bimaxillary osteotomy is skeletal surgery for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea. Several studies have shown bimaxillary osteotomy to significantly improve respiratory parameters - including the apnoea-hypopnoea index, zero oxygen saturation, and the respiratory disturbance index - in the short and the long term. Additionally, research has shown that bimaxillary osteotomy contributes to a reduction in systemic blood pressure and to improvements in sleep architecture and neurocognitive functions. Subjectively, a significant proportion of patients report a decrease in daytime sleepiness, an improvement in sleep-related and general quality of life, and a positive change in facial aesthetics. Potential disadvantages of the procedure include temporary or permanent sensory disorders, a temporary reduction in oral health-related quality of life, and a temporary restricted functioning of the lower jaw. Nevertheless, bimaxillary osteotomy is considered a durable and effective treatment option for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.