Notable Publication – Defining the Shape of the Mylohyoid Muscle: A Morphometric Imaging Study
May 31, 2024
The mylohyoid muscle surrounds the mandible and hyoid bones and forms the base of the oral cavity of the mouth.
This research used novel computed tomography (CT) measurements to better define the submental anatomy and guide further hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) innovation and therapy development.
Implantable HGNS therapy is an evolving therapeutic alternative for patients with refractory obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, this region's muscular anatomy has implications for surgical access, positioning, and anchoring hardware in this specific area. Therefore, the goal of this research was to provide evidence surrounding this region that may support future HGNS innovation and therapies.
The research team conducted a retrospective evaluation of CT scans of the neck in 102 patients – those with prior surgery or related pathology were not included. 14 relevant muscle measurements were made on a midline sagittal image and a coronal image positioned at the midpoint between the hyoid bone and the mandible.
The study included 49 men and 53 women ranging from ages 19 to 70, with an average age of 44 years. The average mylohyoid length among the study participants was 42 mm and the average distance between the anterior digastric bellies was 17 mm. The average angle of the central mylohyoid was 174° in the sagittal plane and 164° in the coronal plane. Angle measurements and the distance between the digastric muscles were significantly correlated with patient age.
Ultimately, the research team determined that the mylohyoid muscle has multiple radiologically distinct segments with predictable curvatures. It is believed that a better understanding of submental muscular anatomy and its variance among patients may be beneficial to the development of bilateral implantable neurostimulation technology for the treatment of refractory OSA.
