hyoid bone syndrome

Etiology

• anomaly arises during embryogenesis from cartilage of the second pharyngeal arch

Pathology

• abnormal stylohyoid complex compresses & affects function of surrounding tissues

Clinical manifestations

• point tenderness at the lateral aspect of the hyoid or superior cornu of the thyroid cartilage (most common)
• neck pain & facial pain
• throat pain, sensation in throat
• odynophagia
• dysphonia
• obstructive sleep apnea

Diagnostic procedures

• triamcinolone injection into the affected greater cornu of the hyoid bone can confirm the diagnosis & resolve symptoms

Complications

• cervical sympathetic chain dysfunction due to compression by hyoid bone
• ischemic cerebrovascular events may occur due to the involvement of the carotid artery & jugular vein

Differential diagnosis

• clicking larynx
• triticeal cartilage
• Eagle syndrome

Management

• head & neck surgery
  • excision of left greater horn & superior cornu of thyroid cartilage

More general terms

• syndrome

Additional terms

• hyoid bone