Os thyrohyoideum
The thyrohyoid bone is the most caudal paired element of the hyoid apparatus. It connects the basihyoid to the thyroid cartilage of the larynx. The hyoid apparatus suspends the tongue and larynx from the skull base and is critical for swallowing and vocalization.
Fracture of the thyrohyoid can occur from trauma and may affect hyoid and laryngeal function. Relevant in evaluations of head trauma and hyoid apparatus disease. Diagnosis uses imaging.
Progressive fusion and thickening of the temporohyoid joint (where the stylohyoid articulates with the temporal bone). Can lead to fracture of the petrous temporal bone, damaging cranial nerves VII an
## Overview Fracture of the hyoid apparatus (the bony support of the tongue and larynx) is uncommon and usually traumatic. It can cause difficulty swallowing, throatlatch swelling, pain on manipulati
Head trauma with difficulty swallowing or abnormal head posture should be evaluated.
Progressive fusion and thickening of the temporohyoid joint (where the stylohyoid articulates with the temporal bone). Can lead to fracture of the petrous temporal bone, damaging cranial nerves VII and VIII. A serious, potentially life-threatening condition. Signs include: Sudden onset facial nerve paralysis (drooping ear, lip, eyelid); head tilt; difficulty swallowing; loss of balance (vestibular signs); may have history of ear discharge or previous mild episodes; can cause sudden death from basilar skull fracture; diagnosed on endoscopy of the guttural pouches or CT.
## Overview Fracture of the hyoid apparatus (the bony support of the tongue and larynx) is uncommon and usually traumatic. It can cause difficulty swallowing, throatlatch swelling, pain on manipulation, abnormal respiratory noise, and sometimes epistaxis. Resistance to poll flexion may be noted. ## Causes Trauma to the throat or tongue region, or excessive traction. ## Diagnosis Radiographs or computed tomography of the hyoid bones, endoscopy, and clinical signs of dysphagia or local pain. ## Treatment Conservative management with soft feeds and anti-inflammatories for stable fractures. Surgical repair is rarely required. Supportive care for dysphagia. ## Recovery and Prognosis Generally good for uncomplicated fractures. Persistent dysphagia worsens the outlook. ## Prevention Avoidance of throat trauma. Signs include: difficulty swallowing; swelling under the jaw or throat; pain on throat manipulation; abnormal respiratory noise; possible epistaxis
Fracture of the thyrohyoid can occur from trauma and may affect hyoid and laryngeal function. Relevant in evaluations of head trauma and hyoid apparatus disease. Diagnosis uses imaging.
Head trauma with difficulty swallowing or abnormal head posture should be evaluated.
See the Thyrohyoid Bone (Left) on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model