Isolated fracture of hyoid bone as a result of bicycle injury

Abstract

Authors present a rare case of isolated hyoid bone fractures as a result of a traffic accident. Ten hours before the exam, the patient injured his neck by hitting it against a metal pole which he did not notice while riding a bicycle. Immediately afterwards he felt the pain, and came for an examination due to pain with swallowing. ENT examination discovered no signs of trauma in the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx and visible part of trachea. Computed tomography discovered an isolated fracture of hyoid bone. After 24 hour observation, patient was discharged for home care, and was shown a swallowing technique which significantly reduces swallowing pain. At control ENT examination 10 days later patient had no complaints. Control CT examination was not performed, as patient refused it. © Versita Sp. z o.o.