Influence of natural hyoid bone position and surgical repositioning on upper airway patency: a computational finite element modeling study

Using computational modeling, this study directly shows that any shift from the healthy natural hyoid bone position increases upper airway collapsibility. Surgical hyoid repositioning alters upper airway outcomes in a direction- and magnitude-dependent manner, with its effects influenced by the natural hyoid position. Accounting for both the natural hyoid position and individually prescribed surgical repositioning may enhance upper airway stability and improve outcomes in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment.