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Cephalometric evaluation of facial pattern and hyoid bone position in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Bruno B Vieira1, Carla E Itikawa, Leila A de Almeida

  • 1Dental School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|January 11, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) show distinct facial and hyoid bone development changes. Early detection is key, as these changes impact facial structure and airway function.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric dentistry
  • Orthodontics
  • Sleep medicine

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is increasingly diagnosed in children.
  • Facial and hyoid bone morphology may be influenced by breathing patterns.
  • Understanding these changes is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate facial and hyoid bone development in children with OSAS.
  • To compare cephalometric measurements between children with OSAS and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Lateral cephalometries were performed on children aged 7-10 years with mixed dentition.
  • Twenty children with OSAS (mouth breathers) were compared to 20 healthy nasal breathers.
  • OSAS diagnosis was confirmed by polysomnography.

Main Results:

  • Children with OSAS exhibited increased total and lower anterior facial heights.
  • The hyoid bone was positioned significantly more anteriorly and inferiorly in children with OSAS.
  • No significant differences were found in upper, anterior, or posterior facial heights.

Conclusions:

  • Children with OSAS demonstrate early alterations in facial growth.
  • Increased anterior facial heights and hyoid bone displacement are characteristic of pediatric OSAS.
  • These findings highlight the importance of cephalometric analysis in diagnosing and managing pediatric OSAS.
Abstract

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