Hyoid bone syndrome: a retrospective review of 84 patients treated with triamcinolone acetonide injections.

OBJECTIVES

We present a cohort of patients with hyoid bone syndrome who were treated with injections of triamcinolone acetonide (40 mg/mL), in order to raise awareness of this condition, validate its existence, and demonstrate the efficacy of this treatment.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who were given a diagnosis of and treated for hyoid bone syndrome by the senior author (A.D.R.) between 2006 and 2009.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. All patients presented with throat pain and had tenderness of 1 (63%) or both (38%) greater cornua of the hyoid bone. Seventy-four percent of the patients had complete resolution of symptoms with injection of the affected side(s), 15% had a partial response, and 10% had no response. One patient had a recurrence at 3 months and chose not to receive another treatment. Forty-five of the 62 patients with a complete response required only 1 injection. Forty-three patients (51%) also complained of dysphonia, only 5 of whom had additional laryngeal disorders that accounted for the dysphonia.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyoid bone syndrome should be considered in patients who present with throat pain. Injection of triamcinolone into the affected greater cornu can confirm the diagnosis and resolve symptoms. A positive response to triamcinolone injection may obviate the need for additional testing and procedures.