Abstract
Objective: The relation between craniofacial changes and OSAS in nonsyndromic children is not well established. The objective of the present study was to assess the development of face and hyoid bone in children with OSAS through lateral cephalometries.
Method: Twenty nasal breathing children aged 7 to 10 years were compared with 20 matched in age children polysomnographically diagnosed as OSAS patients. All children underwent otorhinolaryngological evaluation and cephalometries.
Results: Children with OSAS presented an increase in total and inferior anterior heights of the face when compared to nasal breathers. In addition, children with OSAS presented a significantly more anterior and inferior position of the hyoid bone than nasal breathers. No significant differences in superior anterior or posterior heights of the face were observed between groups.
Conclusion: The results suggest that there are evident and early changes in facial growth and development among children with OSAS, characterized by increased total and inferior anterior heights of the face, as well as a more anterior and inferior position of the hyoid bone.
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