Mandibular distraction osteogenesis to treat OSAS

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (O.S.A.S.) causes psychomotor sequelas that reduce the quality of life. It's also related with an increase of cardiovascular morbidity. The aim of the surgeon is to obtain the maximum enlargement of the upper airway, maintaining an acceptable aesthetic conformation. The particular surgical technique described by the author consists in mandibular distraction followed by maxillary Le Fort 1 osteotomy. Another innovation consists in removing mandibular distractor before the consolidation phase to allow the manipulation of the immature bone callus. This permits the correction of three-dimensional mandibular position according to the surgical program. This strategy allows to work easier in obtaining functional and aesthetic results.