[Modern view on the effectiveness of surgical methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]. / Sovremennyi vzglyad na effektivnost' khirurgicheskikh metodov lecheniya sindroma obstruktivnogo apnoe sna.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome is not only a widespread pathology, but also has far-reaching social consequences due to patients' poor quality of nighttime sleep and high daytime sleepiness. To date, a large number of methods, both conservative and surgical, have been developed for the treatment of OSA. Surgeries performed for OSA are aimed at correcting the structures of the nose, pharynx, larynx, as well as the hyoid and jaw bones and the muscles attached to them. Despite the seventy-five-year history of the use of surgical treatment methods, there is still no complete clarity regarding the advisability of certain types of operations. The article presents data from meta-analyses published over the last ten years and devoted to various types of surgical procedures aimed at combating OSA in adult and pediatric populations. Rhinosurgical approaches, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, surgical advancement of the lower jaw in adults and expansion of the upper jaw in children, interventions on the hyoid bone and mental tubercle, removal of the palatine and pharyngeal tonsils, operations for laryngomalacia and bariatric surgery are considered. Data on the effectiveness of the most common operations: tonsillectomy in adults (85%), multilevel pharyngoplasty (60%); and about a wide range of data on the effectiveness of uvulopalatoplasty (25 to 94%) are presented. Effective surgical options and criteria for a positive prognosis of such treatment, the possibility of complete cure of OSA, that is, reducing the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) below 5 events per hour in adults, are discussed. In conclusion, the need to continue research using Sher's criteria for the effectiveness of surgical operations is emphasized: a reduction in AHI by 50% or more or below 20 events per hour. Research that includes long-term postoperative follow-up is especially important.

The vertical topography of the carotid bifurcation - original study and review.

PURPOSE: The vertical level of carotid bifurcation (CB) is commonly indicated at the superior margin of the thyroid cartilage. Few studies observed the CB vertical topography. It was aimed at studying the vertical location of the CB as referred to vertebral and anterior cervical landmarks. METHODS: An archived lot of 147 computed tomography angiograms was documented for the vertical level of CB referred to vertebral and anterior cervical landmarks. The topography of the CB in relation to anterior landmarks was classified into seven types: (1) at the superior margin of the thyroid cartilage; (2) between the hyoid and the thyroid cartilage; (3) at the hyoid level; (4) between the hyoid and mandible; (5) subgonial or supragonial CB; (6) lower cervical level; (7) intrathoracic. RESULTS: The most common locations of CB were at C3 (27.21%), C3/C4 (26.19%) and C4 (25.51%). Bilateral symmetry of CB was found in 51.7%, except for C2 and C5/C6. Type 7 was not found, type 3 occurred in 39.12%, type 2 in 24.49%, type 1 in 13.95%, type 4 in 13.61%, type 5 in 6.12%, and type 6 in 2.72% (294 CBs). Bilateral symmetry of anterior types was found in 59.86%. Statistically significant correlations were found between sex and both left and right types and vertebral levels of CB. CONCLUSIONS: The vertical topography of the CB is highly variable and has sex-related specificity. This detail should be included in the teaching of anatomy. Surgeons and interventionists should better document the carotid anatomy on a case-by-case basis.

Cross-sectional and retrospective study regarding the changes in the spatial position of the hyoid bone and upper airways before and after orthodontic therapy in developing patients with normocclusion.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to study the effect of orthodontic therapy regarding the position of the hyoid bone and upper airways in nighty-one 6-21 year-old Caucasian patients with normoclussion. METHODS: Nineteen variables were analyzed by teleradiography. The differences were analyzed with the ANOVA test of repeated measures with an intra-group factor for two occasions. RESULTS: The statistical analysis revealed a greater influence on the variables Hy-MP (12.3 vs 14.2), Hps-C3 (25.2 vs 28.1), Hpi-C3 (28.8 vs 35.5), H°-C3 (14.4 vs 12.7), Hps-Rg (36.0 vs 42.7), Hpi-Rg (34.1 vs 39.7), USP (16.2 vs 20.2), MPP (12.9 vs 14.8), C3P (10.6 vs 12.8), PNS-Ba (43.5 vs 66.5), PtV-Ad (12.0 vs 17.1) and PtM-Ba (33.9 vs 35.9), and Ad2-SO (24.16 vs 20.87). DISCUSSION: Significant differences were observed between most of the airway and hyoid bone variables before and after orthodontic treatment in our Spanish pediatric population, especially in the nasopharynx.

Hyoid Bone Fracture Pattern Assessment in the Forensic Field: The Importance of Post Mortem Radiological Imaging.

Post mortem hyoid bone fracture findings may be attributable to various factors, including both the onset of acute mechanical asphyxia as it happens in manual strangulation and in charred corpses. In forensic practice, the discovery of corpses burned after death to hide their real cause of death is not uncommon: in these cases, the diagnostic challenge is even greater, as the action of flames is capable of both masking previously generated lesions and/or generating new ones, as occurs for hyoid bone fractures. The case concerns a 76-year-old man found charred in his bedroom. Almost complete body charring made it impossible to evaluate any external damage. Post mortem computed tomography (PMCT) was performed, and an evident bilateral fracture of the greater horn of the hyoid bone was detected. Although the absence of typical charring signs had steered the diagnosis towards post mortem exposure to flames, PMCT proved to be very useful in increasing the accuracy in correctly determining the cause of death. In particular, making use of Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP) hyoid bone reconstructions, it was possible to measure the medial dislocation angle of the fracture fragments and then to establish the applied direction of force, which acted in a lateral-medial way. A manual strangulation diagnosis was confirmed. The increasing importance of performing post mortem radiological exams as a corollary for conventional autopsy has been further confirmed.

Forensic value of soft tissue detachments from the hyoid bone in death due to strangulation asphyxia.

BACKGROUND: There are no unequivocal histopathological findings for the diagnosis of fatal asphyxia due to neck compression. From the observation of a series of asphyxiation cases, we noted, during microscopic analysis, a high frequency of "detachment" of soft tissues from the hyoid bone. This specifically refers to the presence of an optical space between the surface of the hyoid bone and soft tissues. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the detachment of soft tissues from the hyoid bone as specific histological evidence of death due to strangulation asphyxia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten blocks were taken from deaths due to external mechanical compression of the neck (strangulation asphyxia, group A), 22 blocks were taken from deaths for other causes without trauma to the neck (group B), and 38 blocks were obtained from living subjects that have undergone laryngectomies (group C). The presence/absence of detachments were compared between the 3 groups (A, B and C) using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The detachment of soft tissues from the hyoid bone was observed in 5 cases (50%) in group A, 6 cases (27.2%) in group B, and 17 cases (44.3%) in group C. The sensitivity and specificity of the presence of the detachment in group A were 0.5 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.38-0.62) and 0.57 (95% CI: 0.45-0.69), respectively. The comparison between the 3 groups and the presence/absence of soft tissue detachment showed no statistically significant differences between the groups (p = 0.329), clarifying that soft tissue detachment is a nonspecific variable for all 3 situations. CONCLUSIONS: Detachment of soft tissues has poor value as a single element to favor the diagnosis of asphyxia due to violent compression of the neck and should be interpreted as an artifactual finding, unrelated to the neck injury or injury vitality.

Analysis of Bone Mineral Density and Bone Quality of Cortical Bone in the Human Hyoid Body and Histological Observation of the Entheses.

The hyoid is the only bone in the human body that is completely independent, not forming a joint with any other bone; its position is maintained by the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles, as well as several ligaments. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effect of the functional pressure arising from these muscles and ligaments on the hyoid body structure from its bone mineral density, bone quality, and histological observations. The area between the mesial-most part of each lesser horn and the center of the hyoid body was divided equally into four measurement regions. We conducted histological investigations at each measurement region and observed the entheses. To analyze bone mass and bone quality, we also measured bone mineral density (BMD) and analyzed biological apatite (BAp) crystallite orientation in the same regions. Histological observations identified periosteal insertions and fibrocartilaginous entheses. There was no significant difference in BMD between any of the measurement regions, but the preferential orientation of BAp crystallites was stronger in the infrahyoid muscles and ligaments, where fibrocartilaginous entheses are found, than in other places. This suggests that the functional pressure at these sites might exert a major effect not only on the morphological characteristics of the entheses but also on bone quality.

Hyoid Bone Movement During Swallowing in Female Thyroidectomy Patients: A Kinematic Ultrasound Study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the measures of displacement, time and velocity of hyoid bone movement in female thyroidectomy patients. Fifty-eight ultrasound videos of 29 women during swallowing were analyzed. The sample was divided into experimental group (EG), composed of 12 women following total or partial thyroidectomy; and control group (CG) of 17 healthy women. The kinematic measures of displacement, time and velocity of hyoid bone displacement were tracked during swallowing of 10 ml of liquid (water) and 10 ml of thickened liquid (honey) in both groups for comparisons. Additional analysis included bolus consistency effect and relationship with clinical characteristics. Ultrasound videos were analyzed according to a standardized protocol using ImageJ software. Displacement, time and velocity of hyoid movement during swallowing of 10 ml of liquid or thickened liquid were not statistically different between female thyroidectomy patients and healthy women. There is no bolus consistency effect on kinematic measures in both groups, but among thyroidectomy patients, velocity of hyoid bone movement is significantly faster in those with swallowing complaints.

Growing stylohyoideus muscle insertion to the hyoid bone with special reference to its topographical relation to the intermediate tendon of digastricus muscle: A histological study using human fetuses.

BACKGROUND: In adults, the intermediate tendon of digastricus muscle usually runs along the medial or lateral side of the stylohyoideus muscle insertion. To provide a better understanding of the variations, we examined the topographical anatomy of the muscle and tendon in fetuses. METHODS: We examined histological sections from six early-term, 26 mid-term and six near-term fetuses (approximately 8-9, 12-18 weeks and 25-33 weeks). RESULTS: At early-term, an initial sheath of intermediate tendon of digastricus muscle received the stylohyoideus muscle at the superior aspect. The muscle and tendon was distant from the hyoid. At mid-term, near the insertion to the hyoid greater horn, the stylohyoideus muscle consistently surrounded more than 2/3 of the intermediate tendon circumference. In contrast, we found no near-term specimen in which the stylohyoideus muscle surrounded the intermediate tendon. The multilayered tendon sheath was fully developed until near-term and connected to the body of hyoid by an intermuscular septum between the thyrohyoideus muscle and one or two of suprahyoid muscles. Therefore, the hyoid insertion of the styloglossus muscle was a transient morphology at mid-term. CONCLUSION: The stylohyoideus muscle insertion was appeared to move from the tendon sheath to the hyoid greater horn and, until near-term, return to the tendon sheath. A fascia connecting the tendon sheath to the body of hyoid was strengthened by the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles. The latter muscles seemed to regulate fixation/relaxation of the intermediate tendon to the hyoid. The stylohyoideus muscle slips sandwiching the intermediate tendon might be a rare morphology.

Injury of the Hyoid Bone as a Rare Complication in Cervical Spine Rehabilitation: A Case Report.

Neck pain is a common reason for primary care visits, and its differential diagnosis should consider various conditions. The reported incidence of hyoid bone fractures is extremely low, accounting for only 0.002% of all fractures. The most common causes of hyoid bone fractures include strangulation attempts and motor vehicle accidents. We report a case of an uncommon complication of manual therapy of the cervical spine. A 76-year-old woman complained of neck pain that worsened during speaking and swallowing, originating from a neck physiotherapy session. The otolaryngological examination revealed tenderness on the right side of the neck. Flexible nasal endoscopy demonstrated a shallow right piriform recess and asymmetry of the arytenoid cartilages. Computer tomography scan of the neck showed an isolated fracture of the right greater horn (cornu major) of the hyoid bone. The treatment was nonsurgical, with the use of a Schantz collar and pain relief drugs. Reported symptoms of hyoid bone fractures include dysphagia, odynophagia, and neck pain. In most cases of hyoid fractures, conservative management suffices, involving rest, analgesic and anti-inflammatory treatment, and neck immobilization. Surgical treatment is often necessary in the cases of fractures accompanying other injuries.

Lowered hyoid bone overlapping the thyroid cartilage in CT angiograms.

BACKGROUND: The ventral enclosure of the thyroid cartilage by a collapsed hyoid bone (CHB) is poorly encountered in previous research. It was aimed to observe whether or not these malformations could be found and detailed anatomically in a consistent lot of computed tomography (CT) files. METHODS: Two hundred archived CT angiograms were explicitly observed for the CHB anatomical variant. RESULTS: Different possibilities of CHB were found in 6/200 cases, five males and one female. The symmetrical overlap of the thyroid cartilage by the hyoid body was found in one male case. In three cases, two males and one female, there was asymmetrical overlapping due to tilted hyoid bones. In one male case with such asymmetrical CHD, an ossified anterior longitudinal ligament was noted: the tips of the superior horns of the thyroid cartilage reached lateral to it, thus being retropharyngeal. A different male case had a lowered hyoid with a greater horn fused to the superior horn of the thyroid cartilage, with an interposed ossified triticeal cartilage. In the last male case, the right greater horn collapsed laterally to an ossified triticeal cartilage fused with the thyroid cartilage's superior horn. CONCLUSIONS: The CHB is an undeniable anatomical possibility of an atavism that alters conventional anatomical and surgical landmarks. Different anatomical components of the hyoid bone can descend uni- or bilaterally.

The Diversity of the Linguofacial Trunk.

Background and Objectives: Typically, the external carotid artery (ECA) sends off separate anterior branches: the superior thyroid, lingual, and facial arteries. These could, however, form common trunks: thyrolinguofacial, linguofacial (LFT), or thyrolingual. Although known, the LFT variant was poorly detailed previously, and most authors just counted the variant. We aimed to demonstrate the individual anatomical possibilities of the LFT on a case-by-case basis. Materials and Methods: 150 archived angioCT files were used. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 147 files of 86 males and 61 females were kept for this study. Results: In 34/147 cases, LFTs were found (23.12%). Bilateral LFTs were found in 13/34 cases (38.24%) and unilateral LFTs in 21/34 (61.76%) cases. Forty-seven LFTs were thus identified and further studied for different variables. Regarding the vertical topography of LFT origin, type 1a (suprahyoid and infragonial) was found in 28 LFTs (59.57%), type 1b (suprahyoid and gonial) was found in eight LFTs (17.02%), type 3 (suprahyoid and supragonial) was found in two LFTs (4.25%), type 2 (hyoid level of origin) in eight LFTs (17.02%), and type 3 (infrahyoid origin) in just one LFT (2.12%). Types of the initial course of the LFT were determined: type I, ascending, was found in 22/47 LFTs; type II, descending, in 12/47 LFTs; and type III, transverse, in 13/47 LFTs. Regarding the orientation of the first loop of the LFT, 23/47 LFTs had no loop, 4/47 had anterior loops, 1/47 had a posterior loop, 5/47 had superior loops, 5/47 had inferior loops, and 9/47 had medial loops. The position of the LFT relative to the ECA was classified as medial, anterior, or antero-medial. An amount of 12/47 LFTs were anterior to the ECA, 22/47 were antero-medial, 10/47 were medial, 2/47 were inferior, and 1/47 was lateral. Regarding their general morphology, 23/47 LFTs had a rectilinear course, 22/47 had loops, and 2/47 were coiled. A case-by-case presentation of results further demonstrated the diversity of the LFT. Conclusions: In conclusion, the morphology and topography of the LFT are individually specific and unpredictable. It can be anticipated case-by-case by surgeons on CT or MR angiograms.

Dysphagia Pattern in Early to Moderate Parkinson's Disease Caused by Abnormal Pharyngeal Kinematic Function.

Airway invasion is common in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and can cause serious complications. However, a PD-related dysphagic pattern has not been clearly elucidated. In this study, 53 patients with early to moderate PD were enrolled to undergo a videofluoroscopic study of swallowing evaluation (VFSS) and a battery of neuropsychological assessments. A set of VFSS variables (three visuoperceptual, nine temporal, and six spatial) were measured. The main effects of bolus viscosity and volume on airway invasion were calculated. Statistical analyses were performed to determine key kinematic factors of airway invasion for swallowing each bolus type. Airway invasion frequency was significantly higher for liquid boluses (liquid vs. pudding P < 0.001; liquid vs. honey P = 0.006). Laryngeal vestibule closure reaction time (LVCrt) was the key kinematic factor of airway invasion for 3 ml liquid swallow (P = 0.040), anterior displacement of hyoid bone was the key kinematic factor for both 5 ml and 10 ml liquid swallows (P = 0.010, 0.034, respectively). Male sex and advanced Hoehn and Yahr stage were significantly related to reduced anterior displacement of hyoid bone. These results reveal the dysphagic pattern related to PD, demonstrating that prolonged LVCrt and reduced anterior displacement of hyoid bone are two crucial kinematic factors contributing to airway invasion during the liquid swallow. In addition, hyoid bone dysfunction was correlated with disease severity and male sex. Our findings warrant further investigation of the pathophysiological mechanism of dysphagia in PD and would guide clinical intervention.

Hyoid Bone Fracture Secondary to a Blunt Neck Trauma: A Report of 2 Cases.

Hyoid bone fracture unrelated to strangulation is a rare occurrence characterized by a subtle presentation. However, it may manifest as a fatal respiratory distress due to airway obstruction. We present 2 cases of hyoid bone fractures that occurred following a traffic accident in 2 male patients. Both patients presented with either a neck pain or a dysphagia. Physical examination findings were limited to neck sensibility at palpation, saliva stasis, and laryngeal congestion at the laryngeal endoscopy. In both patients, the diagnosis was confirmed through computed tomography. In the first patient, the fracture was simple and located at the body of the hyoid bone, while in the second patient, it involved the greater horn with a medial displacement of the fractured fragment. Due to the clinical presentation, we successfully treated both our patients conservatively through a 48 hour observation, analgesics, steroids, antibiotics, neck rest, and semiliquid diet. This study highlights a rare occurrence of 2 cases of hyoid bone fracture unrelated to strangulation, which emphasizes on the importance of a high clinical suspicion to make the diagnosis of this entity.

Hyoid bone morphology in patients with isolated robin sequence - A case-control study utilizing 3D morphable models.

Background: Abnormalities of the hyoid bone are associated with impairment of oropharyngeal functions including feeding, swallowing, and breathing. Few studies have characterized anatomic abnormalities of the hyoid in patients with Robin sequence (RS), e.g. a less mineralized and voluminous hyoid. The purpose of this study was to compare normal hyoid bone morphology and hyoid bone morphology in children with isolated RS. Methods: Three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of the hyoid bone were obtained from CT-imaging of children with RS and unaffected controls. A 3D morphable model was constructed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Partial least squares - Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were used to characterize and compare hyoid shape differences between patients with RS and an age-matched control group. Results: The study included 23 subjects with RS (mean age 9.8 ± 10.3 months) and 46 age-matched control samples. A less voluminous hyoid was observed for the RS group with a larger lateral divergence of the greater horns compared to controls (MANOVA, p-value<0.001). The first shape variable from the PLS-DA model showed a significant correlation for the observed variance between the two groups (Spearman R = -0.56, p-value<0.001). The control samples and 151 CT-scans of subjects up to age 4 years were used to create a 3D morphable model of normal hyoid shape variation (n = 197, mean age 22.1 ± 13.1 months). For the normal 3D morphable model, a high degree of allometric shape variation was observed along the first principal component. Conclusions: The 3D morphable models provide a comprehensive and quantitative description of variation in normal hyoid bone morphology, and allow detection of distinct differences between patients with isolated RS and controls.

Systematic review of laryngohyoid fractures in fatal falls: A potential mimicker of strangulation.

Fractures of the laryngohyoid complex are classically associated with deaths due to strangulation. Recent studies, however, indicate the possible presence of such fractures in fatal falls. The primary focus of this systematic review is to analyze the characteristics of laryngohyoid fractures in the context of falls to aid in a more accurate interpretation of autopsy findings. Search for relevant literature occurred on PubMed on the 26th of October 2022, and Embase and Web of Science on the 5th of November 2022. Inclusion criteria included being a primary study, published in English, involving fatal falls and injuries to the laryngohyoid complex, and presenting sufficient details about the relevant cases. Four case reports and six descriptive retrospective studies were included in the final analysis yielding a sum of 38 cases. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. Potential limitations of this study include the inclusion of case reports and studies published in English only. The cumulative male-to-female ratio was 23:15 with a mean age of 48 years old. The fall height ranged from standing height to 60 m. Forty-three fractures to the laryngohyoid complex were identified with the thyroid cartilage most commonly affected, followed by fracture of the hyoid bone, and finally the cricoid cartilage. While cases of falls did indeed display hallmark laryngohyoid findings classically displayed in strangulation, they also featured unique presentations such as fractures of the clavicle and a reduced prevalence of conjunctival petechiae.

Análise ultrassonográfica da distância do osso hioide em indivíduos com disfagia orofaríngea neurogênica / Ultrasonographic analysis of the hyoid bone distance in individuals with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia

RESUMO Comparar a medida ultrassonográfica de distância da aproximação do osso hioide no momento do pico máximo da deglutição entre indivíduos saudáveis e disfágicos neurogênicos e verificar o efeito das consistências do alimento no deslocamento do osso hioide. Estudo clínico prospectivo controlado. Foram realizadas avaliações ultrassonográficas da deglutição orofaríngea em 10 adultos com diagnóstico de disfagia orofaríngea e 10 adultos saudáveis, pareados por sexo e faixa etária. Para tanto, foi utilizado ultrassom portátil com transdutor microconvex 5-10 MHz, além de estabilizador de cabeça. As imagens ultrassonográficas foram gravadas pelo software Articulate Assistant Advanced a uma taxa de 120 quadros/segundo. Foram utilizadas as consistências de alimentos nível 0 (volume livre e 5 mL) e nível 4 (5 mL), conforme as recomendações do International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative. A distância foi mensurada no momento do pico máximo da deglutição entre a parte inferior do osso hioide e a inserção do músculo milo-hioideo. Cálculos de média e o desvio padrão foram utilizados na análise descritiva, enquanto o teste ANOVA de medidas repetidas foi aplicado na análise inferencial.Resultados evidenciaram que indivíduos disfágicos apresentaram menor elevação do osso hioide, marcada por maior distância da aproximação do osso hioide no momento do pico máximo da deglutição quando comparados aos indivíduos saudáveis, independentemente da consistência alimentar ofertada. Concluiu-se que a medida ultrassonográfica de distância da aproximação do osso hioide no momento do pico máximo da deglutição mostrou menor elevação laríngea em indivíduos com disfagia orofaríngea neurogênica quando comparados aos indivíduos saudáveis para todas as consistências alimentares ofertadas.

ABSTRACT To compare the ultrasound measurement of distance from the approximation of the hyoid bone during of the maximum deglutition peak between healthy individuals and neurogenic dysphagic individuals and to verify the effect of food consistencies on the displacement of the hyoid bone. Prospective, controlled clinical study. Ultrasound recordings of the oropharyngeal deglutition were conducted in 10 adults diagnosed with oropharyngeal dysphagia and in 10 healthy adults, matched by sex and age group. A portable ultrasound model Micro ultrasound system with a microconvex transducer 5-10 MHz, coupled to a computer as well as the head stabilizer were used. The ultrasound images were recorded using the AAA software (Articulate Assistant Advanced) at a rate of 120 frames/second. Food consistencies level 0 (free volume and 5 mL) and level 4 (5 mL) were used, based on the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDSSI). The calculation of the mean and standard deviation was used for the descriptive analysis, while the repeated measures ANOVA test was used for the inferential analysis. Results showed dysphagic individuals had lower elevation of the hyoid bone marked by a longer distance from the approximation of the hyoid bone during of the maximum deglutition peak when compared to healthy individuals, regardless of the food consistency offered. It was concluded that the ultrasound measurement of distance from the approximation of the hyoid bone during of the maximum deglutition peak showed less laryngeal elevation in individuals with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia when compared to healthy individuals for all food consistencies offered.

Sex estimation from the hyoid bone measurements in an adult Eastern Turkish population using 3D CT images, discriminant function analysis, support vector machines, and artificial neural networks☆.

The hyoid bone is one of the bones in the human body that shows sexual dimorphism. The anthropological and anthropometric characteristics that determine sexual dimorphism are influenced by demographic differences. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of sexual dimorphism of the hyoid bone in the adult Eastern Turkish population from the examination of the 3D computed tomography images of 240 patients, using discriminant function analysis (DFA), support vector machines (SVM), and artificial neural networks (ANN). These evaluations were based on eight hyoid measurements that have been frequently used in previous CT studies. The results showed that all eight measurements were higher in males than in females (p = 0.000). It was determined that sex could be estimated accurately at up to 93.3 % using DFA, 93.8 % using SVM and 95.4 % using ANN. The maximum accuracy rate achieved to 94.2 % in males using SVM, and 95.8 % in females using ANN. These high rates of sexual dimorphism found using DFA, SVM, and ANN in this study indicate that characteristics of the hyoid bone can be utilized to determine sex in the Eastern Turkish population.

Assessment of Soft Tissue, Airway Dimension and Hyoid Bone Position in Class II Patients Treated by PowerScope Class 2 Corrector.

AIM: This study aims to assess the changes in the soft tissue, pharyngeal airway dimensions, and hyoid bone position in patients treated with PowerScope Class 2 corrector to correct the skeletal Class II pattern. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on a sample of 20 cases diagnosed with Class II malocclusion. The lateral cephalograms were taken before (T1) and after functional appliance therapy (T2) and were traced. The outcomes were compared for the mean changes in soft tissue, airway way dimension, and hyoid bone position. The paired t-test was used for the data comparisons wherein p < 0.05 was kept for statistical significance. RESULTS: The mean values before and after treatment for H angle, mentolabial angle, lower lip E-line, upper lip S-line, lower lip S-line, and lip strain were 19.88 ± 2.77 vs 17.13 ± 1.659, 94.09 ± 12.164 vs 101.75 ± 11.28, -2.47 ± 1.213 vs -1.38 ± 0.976, 3.99 ± 0.19 vs 2.64 ± 0.32, 9.01 ± 0.247 vs 9.43 ± 0.238, 10.24 ± 0.510 vs 10.64 ± 0.52, respectively, which were statistically significant (p < 0.05). All airway spaces (except for lower pharyngeal space) and hyoid bone parameters were significantly improved posttreatment. CONCLUSION: The facial convexity, upper E-line, Z-angle, nasolabial angle, and lower pharyngeal space did not show statistically significant changes. The rest of the soft tissue parameters, oropharyngeal air spaces, and hyoid positioning measured in the study showed significant improvement after treatment with the PowerScope appliance in Class II patients. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Class II malocclusion is the most common dental anomaly with a high degree of prevalence in the population. This study will help the clinician in understanding the improvement of soft tissue, airway dimension, and hyoid bone position changes on treatment with a fixed functional appliance for the correction of Class II cases, thereby ensuring the greater success of orthodontic therapy in the future.

Hyoid bone compression­induced carotid dissecting aneurysm: A case report.

Bony structures around the carotid artery, such as the styloid process and the hyoid bone, can cause dissection, compression, plaque formation and plaque rupture of the carotid artery. The present study aimed to present a novel case of hyoid bone elongation causing dissecting aneurysm of the carotid artery. However, the patient had no permanent neurologic symptoms. An 80-year-old man presented with right hemiparesis for >5 h despite preventive therapy with antiplatelets and statins. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed acute infarction in the left parietal lobe. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed two cysts with some calcification located at the bifurcation of the right internal carotid artery (ICA) and the right greater horn of the hyoid bone adjacent to the right ICA. A color duplex scan of the carotid vessels confirmed the relationship between dissecting aneurysm and the hyoid bone. In conclusion, greater attention should be paid to the bony structures around the carotid artery.