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Updated: Jun 18, 2025
Coordinate Mapping of Hyolaryngeal Mechanics in Swallowing
Published on: May 6, 2014
Correlation between the three-dimensional hyoid bone parameters and pharyngeal airway dimensions in different
Majedh Abdo Ali Al-Somairi1, Bowen Zheng2, Bushra Sufyan Almaqrami3
1Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang Clinical Medical Research Center of Orthodontic Disease, Shenyang 110002, PR China; Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Faculty of Dentistry, Ibb University, Republic of Yemen.
Objective:
This study aimed to explore the relationship between three-dimensional (3D) measurements of the hyoid bone (HB) and pharyngeal airway space (PAS) in relation to sagittal and vertical malocclusion.
Methods:
A total of 368 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were classified into three skeletal groups (Class I, II, and III) and subdivided by vertical growth patterns (hypodivergent, normodivergent, and hyperdivergent). PAS dimensions, including nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and total airway spaces, were measured in surface area, volume, minimum constricted area (MCA), length, and width, HB position and dimension were analyzed in 3D using InVivo 6.0.3 and Dolphin 11.8 software. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA, and Bonferroni post-hoc tests, with P ≤ 0.05 considered significant.
Results:
The study found that patients with skeletal Class III and hypodivergent growth pattern had the highest sagittal position of the hyoid bone, while those with skeletal Class II and hyperdivergent pattern had the lowest hyoid length. Nasopharyngeal airway space width was significantly lower in skeletal Class III patients, while volume and area were lower in hyperdivergent patients. Oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal dimensions were also affected by skeletal class and growth pattern, with hyperdivergent patients having the lowest values. Total pharyngeal volume, area, and minimum constricted area were also affected, with hyperdivergent patients having the lowest values and skeletal Class II patients having the lowest minimum constricted area.
Conclusion:
Pharyngeal airway dimensions and hyoid bone parameters vary with malocclusions. The hyoid bone's position influences the airway, identifying patients at risk for airway obstruction and sleep-disordered breathing.
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