Postoperative Management of the Maxillomandibular Advancement Patient

Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) is a highly successful surgical treatment for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The bilateral sagittal split osteotomy in conjunction with a Le Fort I osteotomy allows the surgeon to advance the patient’s skeletal framework to decrease nocturnal airway collapse and disruption of sleep. The patient demographic for those undergoing maxillomandibular advancement for OSA often has complex medical problems that require nuanced postoperative care. The management of these complicated patients during their healing phase is outlined in this chapter; the goal is to encompass strategies that reduce the risk associated with their chronic disease processes.