title: Hyoid expansion as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Hyoid expansion is a novel procedure that was developed to widen and stabilize the lateral walls of the hypopharynx in order to improve obstructive sleep apnea. This study was conducted to evaluate the safety, efficacy and feasibility of hyoid expansion.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective, non-randomized multicenter pilot study with a follow-up of 6 months was conducted.
  
  
  METHODS
  An implantable device (the Air-Frame system) was used to surgically expand the hyoid bone. Subjective and objective outcome measures were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The procedure was successfully performed in all patients without technical adverse events. There were three clinical adverse events, and tolerance was good. Although there was a significant improvement in snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness, there was no objective improvement of the apnea-hypopnea index as measured by polysomnography.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hyoid expansion did not provide objective improvement of obstructive outcome measures in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium. evert.hamans@uza.be
authors.forename: Evert
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hamans
authors.forename: Boris A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Stuck
authors.forename: Nico
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: de Vries
authors.forename: An
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boudewyns
authors.forename: Annick
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Devolder
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Verbraecken
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Van de Heyning
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006970:Disorders of Excessive Somnolence / Q000601:surgery; D004867:Equipment Design; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006928:Hyoid Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017286:Polysomnography; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D012913:Snoring / Q000601:surgery; D013525:Surgical Instruments