Osa's Impact On Children's Midpalatal Suture & Arch Width

To evaluate the radiological features of the midpalatal suture and dental arch widths in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using CBCT. Patients from the Department of Orthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University were retrospectively collected and divided into two groups based on OSA diagnosis. Dental arch widths, Hounsfield Units of the upper and lower cortical bone (UCHU, LCHU), and that of the medullary bone (MHU) at the midpalatal suture were measured using Dolphin Imaging Software. Gray densities of the midpalatal suture (GDs), palatal process (GDppm), soft palate (GDsp), and the midpalatal suture density (MPSD) ratio were analyzed with Mimics Medical Software. Independent sample t-tests and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare measurement variables. Correlations between variables and OSA were evaluated via binary logistic regression. Sixty-eight patients (aged 9-15 years) were included, with 34 in each of the OSA and non-OSA groups. The OSA group had significantly higher lower first molar arch width (P=0.024), maxillomandibular arch width difference (P=0.011), and soft palate gray density (GDsp, P=0.044). Additionally, the OSA group showed lower HU values at specific sites in the upper cortical bone (UCHU3: P=0.001; UCHU5: P=0.011) and medullary bone (MHU4: P=0.003) of the midpalatal suture. Despite study limitations and sample size, children with OSA showed broader mandibular arches, greater maxillomandibular width discrepancy, lower HU values at midpalatal suture sites, and higher soft palate gray density compared to non-OSA children.