Valsalva manoeuvre to detect isolated hyoid bone fracture
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2021
Abstract
The hyoid bone fracture has traditionally been attributed to strangulation and hanging. Although rare, ensuing its vague presentation, hyoid bone fracture is oftentimes overlooked and missed, leading to delayed complications. Herein, we are reporting an overlooked hyoid bone fracture in a man who attempted suicide by strangulating himself, whereby Valsalva manoeuvre performed during bedside flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy revealed the fractured segment. As the patient was stable and asymptomatic, he was successfully managed conservatively. We would like to highlight the awareness of the Valsalva manoeuvre, which could elicit hyoid bone fracture as missing or overlooking the fracture may lead to devastating complications which may ensue, such as respiratory distress.
Keywords
Ear, Nose and throat, Otolaryngology, Emergency medicine, Trauma
Divisions
otorhino
Publication Title
BMJ Case Reports
Volume
14
Issue
7
Publisher
BMJ Publishing Group