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Updated: Dec 14, 2025

Coordinate Mapping of Hyolaryngeal Mechanics in Swallowing
Published on: May 6, 2014
Evaluation of pharyngeal airway dimensions and hyoid bone position according to craniofacial growth pattern
Gönül Kocakara1, Muhammed Hilmi Buyukcavus1, Hikmet Orhan2
1Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey.
Objective:
To compare pharyngeal airway dimensions and hyoid bone position in different craniofacial growth patterns.
Methods:
In total, 611 patients divided into 9 subgroups were compared according to malocclusion classification and vertical growth pattern, and these subgroups were compared in terms of pharyngeal airway and hyoid measurements. A two-way ANOVA test was used to compare the findings of the subgroups.
Results:
No significant difference was found for the pharyngeal measurements between the groups (p>0.05). The vertical airway length (PNS-Ep) was significantly shorter in the Class III malocclusion group (p<0.05) and in the hypodivergent group (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between any subgroups in any measurements of the position of the hyoid bone (p>0.05).
Conclusion:
The pharyngeal airway dimensions and hyoid bone position are similar among individuals in the sagittal direction. The vertical airway length is significantly shorter in Class III and hypodivergent individuals.
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