title: Isolated hyoid bone fracture: a case report and review of the literature.
abstract: Isolated hyoid bone fractures secondary to trauma other than strangulation are rare and have few, if any, complications. We report a case of an isolated hyoid bone fracture that resulted in sudden and severe upper airway compromise. Diagnosis of these fractures is difficult and usually can be made only with a strong degree of suspicion. Patients who suffer neck injuries in whom a hyoid fracture is diagnosed or strongly suspected should be observed for 48 to 72 hours, considered for endoscopy, and treated as warranted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Medical Center of Delaware, Wilmington.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Szeremeta
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Morovati
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D006928:Hyoid Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography