Position of the hyoid bone and its correlation with airway dimensions in different classes of skeletal malocclusion using cone-beam computed tomography

Purpose: This study investigated the position of the hyoid bone and its relationship with airway dimensions in different skeletal malocclusion classes using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: CBCT scans of 180 participants were categorized based on the A point-nasion-B point angle into class I, class II, and class III malocclusions. Eight linear and 2 angular hyoid parameters(H-C3, H-EB, H-PNS, H-Me, H-X, H-Y, H-[C3-Me], C3-Me, H-S-Ba, and H-N-S) were measured. A 3-dimensional airway model was designed to measure the minimum cross-sectional area, volume, and total and upper airway length. The mean crosssectional area, morphology, and location of the airway were also evaluated. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and the Pearson correlation test, with P values <0.05 indicating statistical significance. Results: The mean airway volume differed significantly among the malocclusion classes(P<0.05). The smallest and largest volumes were noted in class II (2107.8±844.7 ㎣) and class III (2826.6±2505.3 ㎣), respectively. The means of most hyoid parameters (C3-Me, C3-H, H-Eb, H-Me, H-S-Ba, H-N-S, and H-PNS) differed significantly among the malocclusion classes. In all classes, H-Eb was correlated with the minimum cross-sectional area and airway morphology, and H-PNS was correlated with total airway length. A significant correlation was also noted between H-Y and total airway length in class II and III malocclusions and between H-Y and upper airway length in class I malocclusions. Conclusion: The position of the hyoid bone was associated with airway dimensions and should be considered during orthognathic surgery due to the risk of airway obstruction.