Hyoid Myotomy Suspension (HMS)

Contemporary Management of Sleep-Disordered Breathing

This is designed to further stabilize the airway behind the back of the tongue. The hyoid is a horseshoe shaped bone in the neck where the tongue muscles attaches. If the hyoid bone containing these muscles is pulled forward in front of the voice box, it can help stabilize the airway space behind the tongue. This procedure may be done in conjunction with the genioglossus tongue advancements or done as an isolated procedure.

It is a minor procedure and like the genioglossus can be done without the use of a general anesthetic.

• Riley R, Guilleminault C, Powell N, Derman S: Mandibular Osteotomy and hyoid bone advancement for obstructive sleep apnea: A case report. Sleep 1984;7:79-8
• Riley R, Powell N, Guilleminault C, Clerk A: Obstructive sleep apnea and the hyoid bone-a revised surgical procedure. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 1994;111:717-721