Evaluation of Pharyngeal Airway Space in Subjects with Various Anteroposterior Positions and Dimensions of the Maxilla: A Cross-sectional Retrospective Study

IntroductIonThe pharyngeal airway, comprising the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx, is vital for respiration, phonation, and normal craniofacial development. 1 The nasopharynx connects the nasal cavity to the oropharynx and is dynamically influenced by surrounding skeletal structures such as the maxilla, mandible, and cervical spine.Airway patency is maintained through coordinated muscle activity, including that of the tensor veli palatini and genioglossus muscles. 2 However, reductions in muscle tone or craniofacial anomalies can lead to airway obstruction. 3 Individuals with vertical growth patterns often exhibit narrower pharyngeal dimensions, emphasizing the link between craniofacial morphology and respiratory function.Conditions such as macroglossia and mandibular retrognathism significantly influence airway dimensions. 4 In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the evaluation of airway dimensions due to the growing recognition of sleep-related breathing disorders.Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is characterized by recurrent airflow interruption during sleep caused by blockage in the nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal regions.Obesity, increased upper airway soft tissues, and skeletal deformities are among the most common causes of upper airway collapse. 5