From AHI 64.5 to 4.3! Regaining a clear mind after surgery

release date : 2025-05-09
Updated: August 31, 2026
Author: Fenghua United Clinic

This is a patient with extreme sleepiness. His Epworth Sleepiness Scale score is 17. If the score is more than 10, it is considered to have reached the level of sleepiness that requires medical intervention.
The sleep report he brought from the hospital showed that his AHI was as high as 64.5 (AHI>30 is severe sleep apnea) and his lowest blood oxygen level reached 60%.
For patients with retruded mandible and severe sleep apnea, orthognathic surgery (Maxillo-Mandibular Advancement, MMA) should be one of the priority treatment options, especially since this patient is completely unable to accept having to wear a positive pressure ventilator for a long time.
The CT scan after the operation showed that the narrow and blocked airway had been widened and supported through the reorganization of the upper and lower jaws. At the same time, the face shape, jaw line, tooth angle and bite state also benefited from the orthognathic surgery.
Most importantly, the postoperative sleep report showed that the AHI had dropped to 4.3, which is the same as the normal standard, and the minimum blood oxygen level had increased to 83%. Subjectively, in addition to greatly reducing snoring, he felt much more energetic during the day and was not sleepy.

This is a patient suffering from severe hypersomnia(excessive sleepiness), with an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of 17.
A score exceeding 10 indicates a level of hypersomnia requiring medical intervention.
The sleep report brought by the patient shows an AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index) of 64.5 (AHI > 30 is considered severe obstructive sleep apnea), and the lowest blood oxygen level reached 60%.
For patients with mandibular retrusion and severe obstructive sleep apnea, Maxillo-Mandibular Advancement (MMA) surgery should be prioritized as a treatment option, especially since this patient is completely unable to accept long-term use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure).
Post-operative CT scans reveal that through the reconstruction of the maxilla and mandible, the narrowed and obstructed airway has been effectively widened and supported.
Additionally, the patient's facial contour, jawline, tooth angle, and occlusion have also benefited from MMA surgery.
Most importantly, the post-operative sleep report indicates that the AHI has decreased to 4.3, meeting the standard of normal individuals, and the lowest blood oxygen level has increased to 83%.
Subjectively, the patient feels significant improvement, with reduced snoring and greater energy during the day.

More sleep apnea information:https://www.mch-osa.com/

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Appearance changes

Comparison of airway cross-sections before and after orthognathic surgery; postoperatively, the hyoid bone moves forward and upward, and the airway widens.

3D tomographic comparison of changes in the position of the upper and lower jaw bones and the occlusal plane before and after orthognathic surgery

Changes of index before and after surgery

A comparison of pre- and post-operative sleep monitoring reports showed that the AHI decreased from 64.5 to 4.3, and the lowest blood oxygen saturation increased from 601 TP3T to 831 TP3T.

Preoperative and postoperative assessment scale

Comparison of pre- and post-operative completion of the obstructive sleep apnea outpatient assessment form

The outpatient assessment form includes a pre- and post-operative comparison of the respiratory assessment section, and the post-operative treatment section includes information about orthognathic surgery.

Before and after the procedure, the total score on the Eppworth Somnolence Scale decreased from 17 to 5.

Warm reminder

Please follow the instructions of the doctor and nursing staff, take medicine regularly, pay attention to dietary taboos and keep the wound clean.
There may be complications such as bleeding, infection, inflammation, etc. after surgery. The degree will vary according to individual physical differences, so careful care is required. If the above situations occur, please contact us as soon as possible.
It is normal for 3 to 6 months after surgery to experience temporary slow sensation and unnatural expressions at the surgical site. Through independent massage and facial expression exercises, most patients will gradually improve within 6 to 12 months after surgery.
Anesthesia has certain risks, which are related to the patient's own physical condition. Patients must honestly and clearly report their health status and treatment history to the treating physician and anesthesiologist, and do not hide anything.
It is recommended to communicate with the doctor before surgery and clearly express treatment needs. However, the aesthetic appearance after surgery is subjective and should not be used as a basis for judgment of surgical results.
The results of surgery vary from person to person and need to be evaluated by a professional physician. Case pictures are publicly used with the authorization of the parties involved as auxiliary explanations of diagnosis and treatment, health education and medical knowledge sharing, and are for reference only.