American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) Practice Exam 2026 - Free Orthodontics Practice Questions and Study Guide

The condition characterized by an inferiorly placed hyoid bone is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In patients with OSA, the airway may become compromised during sleep due to various anatomical factors, one of which includes the positioning of the hyoid bone.

An inferiorly positioned hyoid bone can compromise the space in the upper airway, leading to increased likelihood of obstruction. This anatomical arrangement can contribute to the airway collapsibility during sleep and is often observed in individuals who suffer from OSA. Proper airway management and recognition of such anatomical features are crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment planning for OSA.

Class II malocclusion, Class III malocclusion, and vertical growth patterns, while they may have implications for overall craniofacial structure and function, do not specifically correlate with the inferior positioning of the hyoid bone in the same direct manner as seen in obstructive sleep apnea. Therefore, the presence of an inferiorly placed hyoid bone is most relevant in the context of airway issues, particularly in the case of obstructive sleep apnea.