Hyoid bone position related to gender and aging using lateral cephalometric radiographs

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess hyoid bone position related to gender and aging using lateral cephalometric radiographs in 22 to 84 years old patient.

Materials and methods

Lateral cephalometric radiographs of 459 patients were reviewed retrospectively. The position of the hyoid bone was assessed in terms of horizontal position, rotation, and vertical position. Data were compared between age groups for both genders. Two-factor analysis of variance and Tukey’s honest significant difference (Tukey’s HSD) test were performed.

Results

Mean vertical distance in the 22–29-year age group and the 60–84-year age group was 0.2 mm and 9.7 mm, respectively, among males, and −4.3 mm and −0.3 mm, respectively, among females. There was a trend toward larger measurements in the vertical position in older males (P < 0.001). Among males, all measurements tended to increase significantly with age (P < 0.001). In the over 60-year age group, the posterior position and rotation of the hyoid bone were almost the same for males and females.

Conclusion

Age-related changes in hyoid bone position may decrease swallowing safety. Oral frailty, an early sign of orofacial muscle weakness and functional deterioration, negatively influences dental treatment and swallowing. The hyoid bone shifted to a posterior, rotated, and lower position with increasing age. Especially among males in the over 60-year age group, the hyoid bone had shifted significantly to a lower position. We should focus into the hyoid bone position in lateral cephalometric radiograph.