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Surgery

Airway Considerations in Jaw Surgery

7 min readClinically reviewedUpdated 2026-04-09

Advancement and airway

Maxillomandibular advancement enlarges the pharyngeal airway and is used as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea in selected patients. Aesthetic and functional goals often align, but not always.

Setback and airway

Large mandibular setbacks can reduce the posterior airway space. Teams frequently balance a smaller setback against a maxillary advancement to protect the airway.

If you snore, wake unrefreshed, or have witnessed apnoeas, raise it before planning — a sleep study may change the surgical plan.

Information on this platform is for educational purposes and should not replace consultation with a qualified medical professional. Surgical suitability, risks, and expected outcomes must be assessed by an appropriately qualified surgeon.