A case report on the efficacy of transverse expansion in severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

The recognition of the role of craniofacial abnormalities in the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) has led to several treatment strategies to correct or improve craniofacial structures. We report a case of severe OSAS [Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) = 80] in which an increase in the transverse dimensions by surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion and mandibular symphyseal distraction osteogenesis dramatically decreased the OSAS index.