Improvement in the airway after mandibular distraction osteogenesis surgery in children with temporomandibular joint ankylosis and mandibular hypoplasia.

Background: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis accompanied by mandibular micrognathia can severely obstruct a patient's upper airway. The obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) resulting from TMJ ankylosis and accompanied by mandibular micrognathia, can severely influence the patient's life.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine if there is a difference in Cormack and Lehane score before and after distraction osteogenesis in such patients, and to evaluate the airway changes and the respiratory outcome using polysomnography after mandibular distraction osteogenesis.