| abstract |
A method is provided for surgically treating obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. In a first embodiment of the invention, a procedure is provided which includes the step of splitting the hyoid bone (20) to open the parhyngeal space anteriorly, posteriorly, laterally, using the mandible as support for both anterior, and lateral advancement expansion, thereby relieving the effect of OSAS. In another embodiment of the invention, a modified version of the first embodiment is provided in which the hyoid is suspended but not split. In this embodiment, the pharyngeal space increases anteriorly posteriorly, but to a lesser degree laterally. Splitting the hyoid, and distracting it is believed effective as it provides increased pharyngeal space. |