Pharyngeal airway dimensions and hyoid bone position in children with class II malocclusion and sleep problems: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the pharyngeal airway width and hyoid bone position in children with class II malocclusion and a positive history of sleep problems. Methods: 60 children aged 8–12 years with skeletal class II malocclusion were segregated into two groups according to the existence of sleep problems: 30 participants with sleep disorders constituted the study group, while 30 participants without sleep disorders formed the control group. Pharyngeal airway space and hyoid bone position were evaluated via a clinical and radiographic examination. Results: A significantly narrower upper pharyngeal airway width and decreased C3-H hyoid parameter was noted in children with sleep problems (p = 0.035, 0.012). Conclusion: Both pharyngeal airway parameters and the hyoid bone parameters could be potential risk indicators while screening for sleep-disordered breathing in children.

Keywords

• Sleep disorders
• Cephalometry
• Malocclusion
• Hyoid bone
• Pharyngeal airway