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

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.