Assessment of Upper Airway Changes after Interpositional Arthroplasty: A Cephalometric Analysis

This prospective cohort study examined the changes in airway area and soft tissue parameters following interpositional arthroplasty for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. Ten patients with TMJ ankylosis underwent surgery, pre-operative and post-operative skeletal and soft tissue measurements were obtained. A significant rise in soft tissue parameters was observed following surgery, although only minor changes in skeletal parameters were seen. The nasoropharyngeal area, oral area, soft palate area, and tongue area were among the variables that were examined. After the surgery, increase in value were observed in the nasoropharyngeal area (from 3482.4 mm2 to 3618.7 mm2), Oral area (from 2731.8 mm2 to 2840.8 mm2), Soft palate area (from 204.9 mm2 to 217.3 mm2), and Tongue area (from 2577.5 mm2 to 2600.8 mm2). These findings suggest that interpositional arthroplasty can improve airway area and soft tissue dimensions, affecting the stomatognathic system's aesthetic and functional aspects. Further research is needed to validate these results and assess long-term stability.