Retropalatal and retroglossal spaces evaluation: a CT study

Abstract
Background
The retropalatal and retroglossal spaces are the main affected areas in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and they are the main targeted regions during OSA surgeries. But the dimensions of these spaces are sparsely referred to in literature.

Aim
To measure the retropalatal and retroglossal spaces dimensions in an easily measured way on the radiological evaluation to put basic measurements for such areas in normal subjects by multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in adults.

Methods
MSCT scans of asymptomatic adults were done for all included subjects to obtain delicate anatomical details of the recess using coronal, axial, and sagittal reformatted capability. Each retropalatal and retroglossal space was revised in the CT to find and measure their dimensions

Results
Within included 100 subjects, the mean transversal diameter (width) of the retropalatal space was 16.7±3 mm axially and the mean anteroposterior diameter (depth) was 6.9±1.4 mm. At the retroglossal area, the mean transversal diameter (width) was 17.7±3.8 mm axially and the mean anteroposterior diameter (depth) was 10.1±1.95 mm.

Conclusion
The current work describes the measurements of the retroglossal and retroplatal spaces. It is recommended to add the retroglossal and retropalatal space dimensions to the preoperative CT checklist, particularly in OSA.