Morphometry of the hyoid bone: a radiological anatomy study

Objectives: The hyoid bone occupies a strategic position and participates in vital functions. The aim of this study was to examine the morphometry of the hyoid bone and define its location according to the vertebral level on 3D computed tomography (CT) images. Methods: This study was conducted using 3D–CT images of 216 patients (104 males, 112 females) aged between 10–98 years. The vertebral level of the hyoid bone was determined for each decade. Furthermore, the anterior-posterior length of the hyoid bone, the length and height of the greater horn, the height and width of the body, the distance between the posterior ends of the greater horn, and the distance of the hyoid bone to the vertebral column and the angle between right and left greater horn was measured. Results: The hyoid bone was most commonly located at C3 and C2–C3 vertebral level in females (35.7%) and C3 in males (38.5%). No statistically significant difference was found between right and left sides concerning the length and height of the greater horn. Conclusion: Knowing the radiological anatomy, morphometric properties and vertebral levels of the hyoid bone will contribute to the surgical planning of this region and the hyoid bone. In addition, our study will provide data on the morphometric properties of hyoid bone in forensic and anthropological research.