Genial tubercle position and genioglossus advancement in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment: a systematic review

BACKGROUND: To systematically review the literature for methods to localize the genial tubercle as a means for performing an advancement of the genioglossus muscle. METHODS: PubMed, Google Scholar, CRISP, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched from inception through June 16, 2015. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-two articles were screened, and the full text versions of 12 articles were reviewed in their entirety and 7 publications reporting their methodology for localizing the genial tubercle. Based upon these measurements and the results published from radiographic imaging and cadaveric dissections of all the papers included in this study, we identified the genial tubercle as being positioned within the mandible at a point 10 mm from the incisor apex and 10 mm from the lower mandibular border. CONCLUSION: Based upon the results of this review, the genial tubercles were positioned within the mandible at a point 10 mm from the incisor apex and 10 mm from the lower mandible border. It may serve as an additional reference for localizing the genial tubercle and the attachment of the genioglossus muscle to the mandible, although the preoperative radiological evaluation and the palpation of the GT are recommended to accurately isolate.