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.
Keywords: Pharyngeal airway; craniofacial pattern; hyoid bone; malocclusions.