Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children

www.drseanboutros.com

713-791-0700

Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children

www.drseanboutros.com

www.drseanboutros.com

713-791-0700

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition characterized by episodes of complete or partial obstruction in the upper airway during sleep. It is prevalent in 2 to 5 percent of children and usually occurs between 2 to 6 years of age. Symptoms of OSA include habitual snoring accompanied by intermittent pauses, snorts, or gasps,

labored

breathing,

observed

apneas,

restless

sleep,

and

daytime

neurobehavioral problems.

OSA occurs in children born with a very small or recessed lower jaw. The base of the tongue crowds the normal airflow into the trachea. The tonsils and adenoids are enlarged and obstruct the airway, making the flow of air and the breathing process difficult.

There are various treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea, of which mandibular distraction is one of the most effective. This procedure aims to increase the size of the lower jaw and surrounding tissues, and pull the tongue forward and off the oral airway. The process opens the obstruction in the airway and overcomes breathing and feeding difficulties.

www.drseanboutros.com

713-791-0700

How the Jaw Distraction Procedure is Performed Stretching the lower jaw is the very first step involved in mandibular distraction.

Lengthening of the lower jaw is done by placing an incision inside the mouth. The incision is placed to cut the lower jaw bone on each side and to create a break in the abnormal bone. A device known as a distractor is attached to both sides of the break. The distractor is adjusted over time until the break gets stretched and filled with new tissue. The new tissue regenerates to form a new bone within about two months. The process of mandibular distraction gets completed when the gap is filled with the newly formed bone.

The distraction device and its connecting pins are removed only after the new bone hardens. This prevents the jaw from collapsing. The treatment offers the following benefits   

Improvement in breathing Improved brain function Improved behavior along with pulmonary hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux

Early diagnosis and treatment of OSA can reduce morbidity. However, jaw distraction surgery is a very specialized surgical procedure and that’s why it is important to consult a plastic surgeon experienced in reconstructive surgery. Like every major plastic surgery procedure, mandibular distraction comes with certain risks. The surgeon will perform a thorough evaluation and if your child is found to be a suitable candidate, develop a customized treatment plan that can provide optimal results.

Contact Sean Boutros, M.D. 6400 Fannin, Suite 2290 Houston, TX 77030 713-791-0700