Evaluation of the Hyoid Bone Position Based on the Hyoid Triangle in Patients With Different Skeletal Patterns: A Lateral Cephalometry Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background and Aims We aimed to compare the hyoid bone triangle among individuals with Class I, II, and III skeletal patterns, considering different facial growth patterns. Methods A total of 296 patients were included in the study. Skeletal patterns were classified using the A Point‐Nasion‐B Point (ANB) angle and Wit's appraisal, while the Bjork angle and Jarabak index were employed to categorize facial growth patterns (vertical, horizontal, and normal). Hyoid triangle measurements—based on two facial parameters (C3‐H and H‐RGn) and one cervical vertebral parameter (C3‐RGn)—were compared across skeletal classes and facial growth patterns. Results Patients were classified into vertical ( n = 143), horizontal ( n = 80), and normal ( n = 73) growth patterns. Significant differences in hyoid triangle measurements were observed across skeletal classes within each growth pattern. In the vertical group, mean C3–RGn was 71.90 ± 9.28 mm in Class I versus 65.40 ± 9.45 mm in Class II ( p = 0.027). In the horizontal group, Class III exhibited significantly higher values than Class II for C3–H (34.19 ± 6.55 vs. 30.16 ± 4.18 mm, p = 0.050), H–RGn (93.13 ± 9.96 vs. 37.45 ± 6.02 mm, p = 0.007), and C3–RGn (76.56 ± 14.25 vs. 66.77 ± 9.11 mm, p = 0.008). In the normal group, Class III showed higher H–RGn (39.77 ± 7.72 vs. 33.57 ± 6.39 mm, p = 0.015) and C3–RGn (72.88 ± 11.27 vs. 63.89 ± 8.60 mm, p = 0.030) compared to Class II. Conclusion Class II patients tend to have a more posterior hyoid bone position, except in normal growth patterns, where the hyoid position is relatively more anterior. Vertical growth patterns in Class II patients are associated with a lower hyoid bone position.