Microstructure of the hyoid bone based on micro-computed tomography findings

Wang, Xing; Wang, Chaoqun; Zhang, Shaojie; Wang, Wei; Li, Xiaohe; Gao, Shang; Li, Kun; Chen, Jie; Wang, Haiyan; Chen, Lianxiang; Shi, Jun; Liu, Xiaoling; Li, Zhi-Jun

Affiliations

¹Beijing University of Chinese Medicine School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing

²Department of Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University

³Human Anatomy Teaching and Research Section (Digital Medical Center), Inner Mongolia Medical University Basic Medical College

⁴Department of Emergency, Inner Mongolia People’s Hospital

⁵Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot

⁶Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia

⁷Scientific Bureau and Department of Otolaryngology, Inner Mongolia People’s Hospital, Hohhot, China

Abstract and keywords

In this study, micro-CT was used to observe the microscopic anatomy of the hyoid bone, examine the variation of the trabecular bone inside the hyoid bone, and investigate the internal structure of the hyoid bone.

A total of 22 hyoid bones were scanned using micro-CT. The changes in the internal bone trabeculae were assessed with 3D reconstructions, and the fine anatomical structure of the hyoid bone was further analyzed.

Micro-CT images showed the microstructure of various parts of the hyoid bone. There were significant differences in total volume, bone volume, bone area, bone density, and volume fraction between the body and greater horns of the hyoid bone (P < .05), but no significant differences in the ratio of bone area/volume and bone surface density were found between the body and greater horns of the hyoid bone (P > .05). In addition, significant differences in the trabecular bone measurements, bone trabecular connectivity, and Euler number were found between the body and greater horns of the hyoid bone (P < .05). Other parameters, including bone trabecular thickness, number of trabecular bones, bone trabecular structure model index, and anisotropy of bone trabeculae, did not differ between the body and greater horns of the hyoid bone (P > .05). There was noticeably ossified healing at the joint between the body and greater horns of the hyoid bone.

Micro-CT can adequately display the internal structure of the hyoid bone. The identified bone structure may help clarify the physiological function of the hyoid bone. The present findings provide a theoretical basis for further studies aimed at pathological changes due to hyoid injury in clinical and forensic medicine.

Keywords: hyoid bone; micro-CT; microstructure; quantitative analysis; trabecular bone

Links

DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000022246

PubMed: 33126297

History

Received: 2020-03-03

Revised: 2020-07-14

Accepted: 2020-08-18

Cited Works (1)

Year	Entry
2013	Chen H, Zhou X, Fujita H, Onozuka M, Kubo K-Y. Age-related changes in trabecular and cortical bone microstructure. Int J Endocrinol. March 18, 2013;2013:213234.