American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam

Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) is considered the most effective surgical procedure for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), aside from tracheostomy. This procedure involves repositioning both the upper (maxilla) and lower (mandible) jaws forward. By bringing the jaws forward, MMA increases the size of the airway, reducing the likelihood of airway collapse during sleep.

MMA has been shown to not only improve airflow but also significantly reduce the severity of OSA symptoms, often leading to a substantial improvement in quality of life for patients. Studies demonstrate that it can result in higher success rates and lower recurrence of apnea events compared to other surgical options.

While other procedures such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and genioglossus advancement can be effective in certain cases, they do not offer the same level of overall airway improvement achieved with MMA. Palatal expansion is generally used for dental and orthodontic issues rather than directly addressing the anatomical factors contributing to OSA. Thus, MMA stands out as a comprehensive surgical intervention that effectively addresses the underlying causes of obstructive sleep apnea.