Abstract
Objective: Using the Hormann technique of hyoid suspension in sleep apnea surgery, a steel wire is placed through the thyroid cartilage and slung around the hyoid bone. However, we experienced thyroid cartilage fracture by steel wire traction. A modification is presented to avoid thyroid cartilage fracture.
Method: Twenty-two patients affected by OSAS underwent Hormann hyoid suspension. In 2 patients of the series, the steel wire caused a fracture of the thyroid cartilage. The technique was therefore modified in 20 subsequent patients. The wire is threaded through an adaptation titanium miniplate placed on the surface of the thyroid cartilage.
Results: AHI decreased from 40 to 11.7. Sixteen patients met the criteria for a successful outcome. There was no change in BMI postoperatively. No complications related to this modification were noted.
Conclusion: The Hormann hyoid suspension is a procedure that advances the hyoid bone in order to expand the airway and its effectiveness has been proven previously. The modified hyoid suspension presented here promises similar results without the risk of serious complications as thyroid cartilage fracture.
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