Examination of stylohyoid laryngeal region variations with computed tomography

Purpose: Anatomical variations related to the hyoid apparatus and laryngeal region are observed in the general population. Radiologists who report CT examinations of the head and neck region should know the anatomy and variations of the stylohyoidolaryngial region well. Having sufficient knowledge about the anatomy and variations of this region is important for radiologists to avoid incorrect definitions (fracture, etc.), to be able to name correctly, and especially to give direction to these regional surgeries. In addition, with the correct naming, it will be possible to prevent the evaluation of patients with unnecessary additional examinations. Material and Methods: After the approval of the ethics committee was obtained in our institution, neck CT/BTA shots obtained between 10.08.2011-31.03.2023 and reformat images obtained from these shots were used. 500 people between the ages of 23-95 were included in the study. The study was conducted retrospectively. Results: In our study, the most common variant related to hyoid bone ankylosis was bilateral great horn ankylosis only. The most common symptom of the bending of the tip of the greater horn of the hyoid bone was the downward curving of the left greater horn. The most common variant related to the small horn of the hyoid bone was found to be bilateral small horn hyperplasia. The absence of fusion of the superior horn of the thyroid cartilage was most often detected on the left side, while the condition of unilateral hypolasia of the superior horn of the thyroid cartilage was most often detected on the right side. In our study, tritiseous cartilage was detected in 347 people The length of the styloid process was measured to be less than 3 cm in 153 individuals and the styloid process was measured to be longer than 3 cm in 347 individuals. In this study, calcification of the stylohyoid ligament was not detected in 434 people, while calcification of the stylohyoid ligament was detected in 66 individuals. The presence of calcification was most often detected on the right side in patients with calcification. Bilateral thyroid cartilage, the normal anatomical standard, was found to have complete calcification of the superior horn in 377 people, while the most commonly detected variant was found to be partial calcification of the superior horn of the bilateral thyroid cartilage. vii Conclusions: It is important for radiologists who have acquired knowledge and experience in stylohyoidolaryngeal region variations to avoid misnaming and to guide clinical branches related to correct naming. Key Words: Stylohyoidolaryngial region variations, pharynx, computed tomography (CT)