The purpose of this study was to evaluate treatment outcomes and long-term stability in patients treated by surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) and to compare the results with a matched, untreated control group. The sample comprised consecutive study models from 31 subjects (17 males and 14 females) with a mean pre-treatment age of 25.9 years [standard deviation (SD) 9.6]. The mean follow-up time was 6.4 years (SD 3.3). The transverse distances between the maxillary canines and maxillary first molars were measured with digital sliding callipers before treatment (T0), after treatment (T1), and at follow-up (T2). The data were analysed with a Mann-Whitney U, Spearman's rho, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. At T1, all posterior crossbites were corrected and the expansions were statistically significant. At T2, despite some reduction in the transverse measurements, the posterior crossbites remained corrected. There were no statistically significant differences between the treatment and control groups at T2 regarding transverse measurements, except for the distance between the mesio-buccal cusp tips of the maxillary first molars. In the treatment group, there was no significant difference in terms of reductions in the transverse dimensions over the short- or long-term, no significant correlations between age or gender and the decrease in transverse dimensions or between the degree of anterior and posterior expansion. There were no significant correlations between the degree of expansion and subsequent post-treatment decrease. The results indicate that SARME normalizes the transverse discrepancies and is stable a mean of 6 years post-treatment. The decreases in the transverse dimensions are most pronounced during the first 3 years post-treatment. 

Introduction: The aims of this study were to measure changes in nasal minimum cross-sectional area and nasal airway resistance after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion and to explore a possible correlation with the subjective sensation of nasal obstruction. Methods: Minimum cross-sectional area and nasal airway resistance were measured in 39 consecutive patients treated with surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion. Subjective nasal obstruction was assessed by a questionnaire at pretreatment and at 3 and 18 months postoperatively. Results: Subjective nasal obstruction had improved significantly by 3 months postoperatively. Minimum cross-sectional area increased and nasal airway resistance decreased. No correlations were found. In subjects with pretreatment subjective nasal obstruction and initially narrow anterior minimum cross-sectional area, there was a significant correlation between a moderate increase in anterior minimum cross-sectional area and improvement in perceived nasal obstruction. Eighteen months postoperatively, no changes were found from pretreatment values for subjective nasal obstruction, minimal cross-sectional area, or nasal airway resistance, and there were no correlations. Subjects with a sensation of nasal obstruction at treatment start reported a lasting significant subjective improvement. Conclusions: The postoperative effects of surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion did not persist in the long term. No correlation was found between objective and subjective findings. Subjects with pretreatment nasal obstruction, however, reported a lasting sensation of improved nasal function after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion.

Introduction: The aim of this prospective longitudinal study was to evaluate transverse skeletal changes after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion. The changes were registered by using a 3-dimensional computerized tomography technique based on superimposition on the anterior base of the skull. Methods: The subjects comprised 35 patients (mean age, 19.7 years; range, 16.1-43.9 years). Low-dose, helical computerized tomography images were taken at treatment start and after orthodontic treatment. The 3-dimensional models were registered and superimposed at the anterior cranial base. Results: Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion had a significant transverse skeletal treatment effect, significantly greater posteriorly than anteriorly. The expansion was parallel anteriorly, but posteriorly there was significant transverse tipping. Although there was no statistically significant difference between the changes at the corresponding landmarks, the range of standard deviations was marked. Conclusions: The results showed that, for registering transverse skeletal changes after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion, 3-dimensional superimposition is a reliable method, circumventing projection and measurement errors. Surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion had a significant but nonuniform skeletal treatment effect. Despite careful surgical separation, pronounced posterior tipping occurred. No correlation was found between the severity of tipping and the patients age. (Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2012;142:825-33)

Introduction: The aim of this prospective, longitudinal study was toe valuate changes to the external shape and form of the nose after Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion (SARME) and orthodontic treatment. The changes were registered using a three-dimensional (3-D) computer tomography technique, based on superimposition on the anterior base of the skull.

Method: The subjects comprised 35 patients, mean age 19.7 years (16.1-43.9). Lowdose, helical Computerized Tomography (CT) was taken at treatment start and after completed orthodontic treatment, about 18months post-surgery. The 3-D models were registered and superimposed on the anterior cranial base.

Results: There was in general significant widening and overall anterior and inferior displacement of the nasal soft tissue. The changes varied in size and direction. No correlation was found between the initial and final widths of the nose, or between the initial and final widths of the nostrils.

Conclusion: After SARME, the most obvious changes to the external features of the nose  are at the most lateral alar-bases. The difference in lateral displacement profoundly influenced the perception of a more rounded nose. Patients with narrow and constrained nostrils can benefit from these changes. The 3-D superimposition applied in this study is a reliable method, circumventing projection and measurement errors.