Carotodynia exposed: hyoid bone syndrome

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Pain Management
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• Hyoid bone syndrome, identified in 1954, presents as tenderness near the hyoid bone's greater horn.
• Previously considered insertion tendinosis, treatments included procaine HCl and corticosteroid injections offering temporary pain relief.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of surgical excision of the hyoid bone's greater horn in patients with persistent hyoid bone syndrome.

Main Methods:

• Surgical excision of the affected greater horn was performed on 50 patients.
• Patients had undergone one month of conservative medical treatment without pain relief prior to surgery.

Main Results:

• Surgical intervention provided prompt pain relief in 45 out of 50 patients (90%).
• Conservative treatments were ineffective in this cohort.

Conclusions:

• Excision of the greater horn is an effective treatment for refractory hyoid bone syndrome.
• Awareness of the anatomical relationship between the hyoid bone, pharynx, and carotid sinus is crucial for diagnosis.