Correlation between hyoid bone and pharyngeal airway space in differing vertical skeletal dysplasia

The hyoid and the tongue are intimately associated structures. The hyoid bone forms the anterior limit of the pharyngeal airway space. Thus, the position of hyoid bone and position of tongue can be considered determinants of pharyngeal airway space. Sixty samples, divided in three groups based on their growth pattern were studied and McNamara’s airway analysis and hyoid triangle analysis were used to evaluate the pharyngeal airway space and hyoid bone position respectively.A negative correlation was found in hyperdivergent group between the upper and lower airway space and the FMA. A positive correlation was seen in hyperdivergent group between the upper and lower airway space and the anteroposterior position of the hyoid bone.