What does a positive Müller maneuver result indicate?

A positive Müller maneuver result indicates that the obstruction is likely below the level of the soft palate. The Müller maneuver is a technique used to assess the presence and location of airway obstructions during sleep. It involves the patient performing an inspiratory effort against a closed airway, which helps identify areas of collapse or obstruction by creating negative pressure in the pharynx.

When the test yields a positive result, it suggests that the airway can be collapsed during inspiration due to negative pressure, indicating that the obstruction occurs in the oropharynx or in the hypopharynx, which is below the level of the soft palate. This is significant because it helps guide further treatment decisions, such as possible surgical interventions or other therapeutic strategies for addressing sleep-disordered breathing.

Understanding the implications of the Müller maneuver is crucial in the context of diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea and planning appropriate management strategies. This knowledge is essential for oral and maxillofacial surgeons, as it influences surgical options like uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, which targets structures in the oropharynx to improve airway patency.