Given its association with systemic complications affecting cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological health, OSA represents a significant public health concern requiring accurate diagnosis and effective intervention.
While traditional treatments often involve Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or surgical management, there is increasing interest in addressing the underlying craniofacial anatomical factors implicated in the condition, particularly concerning the narrow upper airway dimensions.
Rapid Maxillary Expansion (RME), a minimally invasive orthodontic and orthopedic procedure, has been proposed as a viable therapeutic approach to increase nasal and pharyngeal airway capacity.
This systematic review and meta-analysis rigorously evaluates the efficacy of RME as an alternative treatment option for OSA.
By performing an exhaustive review of published literature and conducting a meta-analysis on studies reporting quantitative respiratory parameters, this paper aimed to determine if RME is an effective intervention based on improvements in the Apnoea–Hypopnoea Index (AHI) and Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) levels.
The findings provide significant data confirming that RME is a successful treatment strategy for both adult and paediatric OSA, with a noted resolution of the condition in paediatric samples exhibiting pre-treatment maxillary deficiency.
The evidence presented in this comprehensive review highlights a crucial role for orthopedic intervention in the multidisciplinary management of OSA.
👉 We invite all dentists, orthodontists, and sleep medicine specialists worldwide to critically assess this robust data.
Read the full article in PDF to integrate these evidence-based protocols into your clinical practice.
