Isolated hyoid bone fracture with pharyngeal laceration caused by road traffic accident: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

The isolated hyoid bone fracture because of blunt neck trauma other than strangulation is very rare. Diagnosis is difficult. We reported a case of 37-year-old woman who presented with an isolated hyoid bone fracture and laceration of the pharynx. Diagnosis was made by indirect flexible fiberoptic nasal pharyngoscopic examination and computed tomography scan of the neck. The patient was treated conservatively with success. A high degree of clinical suspicion is very important for an early diagnosis and successful management of this rare injury. The causes and management of different hyoid bone fractures due to road traffic accidents that occurred since 1954 are reviewed and discussed.

Keywords

• hyoid fracture
• pharyngeal laceration
• road traffic accident