An Extremely Rare Isolated Hyoid Bone Fracture in a Patient Involved in a Traffic Accident

Abstract

Hyoid fractures in victims of strangulation and hanging are well defined. Nevertheless, an isolated hyoid bone fracture caused by blunt neck trauma is extremely rare and accounts for only 0.002% of all fractures. The diagnosis of a patient with a hyoid bone fracture can be difficult. This type of fracture may go unseen during a physical examination, causing a life-threatening airway obstruction. We present a case of a young male with an isolated fracture of the hyoid bone induced by direct blunt neck trauma. The patient complained of anterior neck pain. A physical examination revealed tenderness in the neck, but no respiratory distress or limited range of motion of the neck was detected. A cervical computed tomography scan revealed a bony fracture involving the right greater horn of the hyoid bone with adjacent soft tissue swelling. A hyoid bone fracture should be considered when neck tenderness and pain are detected following blunt trauma to the neck region.