Changes in Nasal Function after Maxillary Movements

Repositioning of the maxilla is usually a part of the treatment of skeletal deformities. Lefort I osteotomy is a surgical technique introduced to perform these movements. Since the introduction of this technique, surgeons have found its inevitable effects on the form and function of the nasal cavity. Some researchers have examined these changes by measuring nasal airflow and. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the differences in nasal airflow and resistance after maxillary movement surgeries.

The current study was conducted on 21 patients referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. All of these patients needed Lefort I and were divided into three groups, namely anterior displacement, upper displacement, and upper-posterior displacement. To perform the necessary examinations, anterior rhinomanometry test and lateral cephalometric radiographs were carried out 1 week pre-operationally and 3 months post-operationally.

According to results of the rhinomanometric and radiographic assessment, the most and the least improvements in nasal function occurred in the upper and anterior maxillary displacement groups, respectively. Regardless of the group, the mean scores of airflow and air passage resistance increased and decreased after the surgery, respectively; however, none of these changes were statistically significant.

If the maxillary surgery is performed with the correct technique, it will not cause breathing problems.