Pharyngeal airway changes following maxillary advancement by distraction osteogenesis among patients with cleft lip and palate: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Key Points

• To assess the impact of maxillary advancement by distraction osteogenesis on pharyngeal airway changes in patients with cleft lip and palate.
• Conducted a systematic review of existing literature
• Carried out a meta-analysis comparing pharyngeal airway before and after maxillary advancement
• Included studies focusing on cleft lip and palate patients
• Maxillary advancement by distraction osteogenesis significantly improves pharyngeal airway
• Minimal relapse occurs after one year, indicating sustained improvement