Skeletal Surgery

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea may present with a small airway secondary to deficiencies in the development of the facial bones. These deficiencies may include lack of growth of the maxilla and the mandible in an anterior to posterior orientation. Many patients may also have a narrow maxilla that limits the space available to accommodate the soft tissue in the oral cavity and the pharynx. Skeletal surgery for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea was developed to correct these deficiencies, which compromise the space in the upper airway. It has also been found, that correcting these skeletal deficiencies may decrease upper airway collapse by increasing tension in the lateral pharyngeal walls of the airway, increasing the anterior to posterior dimension, and reducing the velocity of the air flow, which results in a lower negative pressure.

Dr. Carlos Torre is one of the few otolaryngologists with training in skeletal surgery for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. In his practice he collaborates with other health care providers in treatment of patients who present with skeletal problems affecting the upper airway.