Has anyone had experience with osteonecrosis of the hyoid bone?

Posted by marge62 @marge62, Jun 14 11:34am

Has anyone else had osteonecrosis of the hyoid bone?
Husband has had two different radiation treatments of the throat 14 years apart and now has osteonecrosis of the hyoid bone.
Told it was rare but asking anyway.

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Hi @marge62. Excellent question. I am curious if the hyoid can be replaced with an artificial one. The hyoid as I understand is the only bone not connected to any other bone in the body.
I will try to remember to ask about this on my next visit to Mayo. In the meantime hopefully someone here has an answer.
Radiation twice? That takes courage. Hugs to both of you.

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Thank you. Yes. He has been through it and I marvel at his strength. Osteonecrosis of the hyoid bone happens due (of course) to the radiation. The danger is it can push on the carotid arteries and that is lethal. He just had his external carotid artery coiled to prevent a rupture.
Thanks for the hugs. Anyone who has gone through this cancer and treatment is courageous.
It is a beast.

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Hyoid suspension surgery can remove the damaged bone with hopefully no long term side effects. Good luck.

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I was recently diagnosed with radiosteonecrosis of 2 fractured ribs. I had radiation on that side but Rad Onc doesn’t think at this point, that it’s rad caused…. So I’m set up for a bone scan. Anyone else dealing with this? What would they do if it is osteonecrosis of the ribs?

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