Investigation of Hyoid Bone Variations Using Computed Tomography
Öz
Aim: The aim of this study was to identify rare morphological variations of the hyoid bone that may be encountered in clinical practice and to describe their radiological characteristics, thereby contributing to clinical, surgical, and forensic evaluation processes. Materials and Methods: Cervical computed tomography (CT) scans of 550 patients without a history of neck trauma were retrospectively reviewed using the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) of Düzce University Hospital between 2021 and 2025. Although the CT examinations were performed for various clinical indications, the morphology of the hyoid bone was systematically evaluated. Given the descriptive nature of the study and the rarity of the detected findings, statistical analysis was not performed. Results: Rare morphological variations were identified in 3 of the 550 patients. In the first case, hypoplasia was observed in the middle and distal segments of the right greater cornu. In the second case, abnormal bony continuity between the right greater cornu and the thyroid cartilage was detected. In the third case, it was determined that the distal ends of both greater cornua of the hyoid bone were positioned below the inferior margin of the body, representing an atypical positional variation. Conclusion: The hyoid bone may exhibit a wide spectrum of morphological variations detectable on CT imaging. Awareness of such variations is essential to avoid potential misinterpretation as traumatic or pathological findings, particularly in forensic evaluations. The rare variations presented in this study may also provide guidance for surgical planning and enhance radiological assessment in clinical practice.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Hyoid bone, morphological variations, radiological anatomy, computed tomography, forensic medicine
Kaynakça
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