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

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 < .05).

Conclusions: Despite the reduction in the MS and the increase in the PAS, results indicated that the airway was not negatively affected after maxillomandibular advancement and maxillary advancement with mandibular setback.