Role of the Hyoid Bone in Upper Airway Patency and OSA Treatment Effectiveness

The hyoid bone, a critical structure involved in breathing and other upper airway functions, is intricately linked to OSA. Individuals with OSA frequently exhibit an inferiorly positioned hyoid bone, impacting upper airway patency. Despite recognizing this connection, the precise influence of hyoid position and movement on airway function—especially in the context of interventions such as tracheal displacement and OSA therapies like mandibular advancement and hypoglossal nerve stimulation—remains unclear. SUARG addresses this knowledge gap using computational modeling and anesthetized rabbit models. The interdisciplinary approach adopted by SUARG aims to fill crucial knowledge gaps, provide insights into hyoid surgeries, unravel variable outcomes in OSA treatments, and contribute to the development of targeted solutions for patients, including combined hyoid surgery and other therapy approaches.