Comparison of Hyoid Bone Position in Skeletal Class I Subjects with Varying Growth Patterns: A Cephalometric Study

Introduction Hyoid bone plays a significant role in physiological functions of craniofacial region, and its position adapts to changes of the head posture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hyoid bone position among skeletal Class I subjects with various growth patterns. Materials and Methods 90 subjects of north Indian origin, aged between 16 to 30 years, having skeletal class I relation were selected for the study. Subjects were then subdivided into three groups, that is, Group I (n = 30; normodivergent), Group II (n = 30; hypodivergent) and Group III (n = 30; hyperdivergent), based on their vertical growth pattern. Lateral cephalograms were traced and analyzed manually for evaluation of hyoid bone position. Result  The sagittal position of the hyoid bone shows no significant difference with varying growth patterns. The vertical relation G-C3Chor distance showed significant difference in hypodivergent subjects. The axial inclination of the hyoid bone showed no significant difference between different growth patterns. Conclusion The anteroposterior position of the hyoid bone does not change with different growth patterns in skeletal class I subjects. The G-C3Chor distance was found to be statistically significant when the three groups were compared.