Effects of surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion on nasal dimensions using acoustic rhinometry

Objective. the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) on nasal dimensions using acoustic rhinometry.Study design. Twenty-seven patients ranging in age from 18 to 53 years were evaluated as having a maxillary transverse deficiency larger than 7 mm, a bilateral cross-bite, and no evidence of nasal obstruction. All patients underwent evaluation of the nasal cavity by acoustic rhinometry both before and 6 months after SARME. the Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate minor cross-sectional areas (MCA) and the nasal volume of the right and left nasal cavities, and these parameters were measured with and without the application of topical nasal decongestant before and after SARME.Results. in comparison with preoperative measurements, minor cross-sectional areas and nasal volumes were significantly larger after SARME. There was a statistically significant difference associated with the use of nasal decongestant; the minor cross-sectional areas and nasal volume of the right and left nasal cavities were smaller when nasal decongestants were not used.Conclusions. Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion increases the minor cross-sectional areas and volume of the nasal cavities. Acoustic rhinometry is an objective method for evaluating the geometry of the nasal cavity in patients with transverse maxillary deficiency. ( Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2010; 109: 191-196)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Div Plast Surg, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Surg, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Div Plast Surg, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Surg, BR-04024002 São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 2008/53273-6Web of Scienc