Isolated hyoid bone fracture in a child due to a fall

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2020 Dec:139:110443. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2020.110443. Epub 2020 Oct 12.

Abstract

Hyoid bone fractures due to blunt trauma are rare accounting for only 0.002% of all head and neck fractures with most documented fractures being due to strangulation, hanging, motorcycle helmet straps, sports injuries and rarely as a complication of intubation. However, they are even rarer in the paediatric age group. We present a hyoid bone fracture in a two-year-old child as a result of a fall down three steps. Hyoid bone fractures though generally heal well with conservative treatment must be diagnosed early to avoid air way obstruction leading to morbidity and mortality.

Keywords: Child; Conservative treatment; Fall; Hyoid bone: fracture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Fractures, Bone* / complications
  • Fractures, Bone* / diagnostic imaging
  • Head Protective Devices
  • Humans
  • Hyoid Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Neck Injuries*
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating*