Severe snoring in a child with pycnodysostosis treated with a bilateral rib graft

Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 2009 Jan;46(1):93-6. doi: 10.1597/06-199.1. Epub 2008 Feb 28.

Abstract

Pycnodysostosis is a rare osteopetrotic disorder. This report describes a case of a 3(1/2)-year-old boy with pycnodysostosis who presented with severe snoring. The snoring was the result of a pharyngeal narrowing due to a hypoplastic mandible. Surgery consisted of a bilateral rib graft, which allowed an enlargement of the pharynx by acting both on an anterior projection of the chin and a decrease of the glossoptosis. A significant reduction of the snoring and an excellent mouth aperture were obtained. This technique is ideal for such patients presenting a high risk of infection, nonunion, and secondary fracture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Airway Obstruction / etiology
  • Airway Obstruction / surgery
  • Bone Transplantation / methods*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mandible / surgery*
  • Mandibulofacial Dysostosis / complications*
  • Mandibulofacial Dysostosis / surgery*
  • Oral Surgical Procedures / methods
  • Pharynx / pathology
  • Ribs / transplantation
  • Snoring / etiology
  • Snoring / surgery*