Isolated Hyoid Fracture Associated With Blunt Trauma

Abstract

Background Trauma-related hyoid fractures are rare entities. These fractures represent only 0.002% of head and neck region fractures. Victims of hanging and strangling constitute the great majority of cases. Fractures associated with trauma are extremely rare. These fractures are difficult to diagnose and can easily be overlooked during physical examination. However, they are also important traumas since airway safety is endangered in these rare cases. Case Report We describe a case of a young male presenting with isolated neck injury associated with hitting an electric cable while riding a motorbike. Tenderness was present in the anterior neck region at physical examination, but movement was not restricted and no respiratory difficulty was determined. Isolated hyoid fracture was detected at tomography of the neck performed in the emergency department. Conclusion Hyoid bone fractures should not be forgotten in patients with pain and tenderness in the anterior neck region following blunt trauma to the neck.