Three-dimensional analysis of pharyngeal airway form in children with anteroposterior facial patterns

Objective: To test the null hypothesis that the form and size of the pharyngeal airways in preadolescents do not differ among various skeletal patterns. Materials and Methods: Sixty healthy children (mean age, 11.79 +/- 1.11 years) were divided into three groups by anteroposterior jaw relationships. Using cone-beam computed tomography, the inclination and the volume of the pharyngeal airway were measured and compared with craniocervical angles and cephalometric variables. Results: Children with Class II malocclusion have a larger angle between the FH plane and midplane of the oropharyngeal airway (ang-OA) compared with children with Class I and III malocclusion (P < .01). Ang-OA was significantly correlated with craniocervical angle (ang-cc) and anteroposterior variables, mainly ANB angle, Pog-N perpendicular (P < .01). Airway volume had a positive correlation with facial depth (P < .01). Conclusion: Children with Class II malocclusion have more backward orientation and smaller volume of the pharyngeal airway than do children with Class I and III malocclusion. Inclination of the oropharyngeal airway might be a key factor in determining the form of the entire pharyngeal airway and is related to head posture. (Angle Orthod. 2011;81:1075-1082.)