Tip of the greater horn of the hyoid bone: a landmark for cervical surgery

The purpose of this study was to assess the relevance of the tip of the greater horn of the hyoid bone (THB) in the localization of the carotid bifurcation, the superior thyroid and lingual arteries, and the hypoglossal and superior laryngeal nerves. Measurements of these structures with respect to the THB were also made. Thirty perfusion-fixed human cadavers (60 specimens) were studied. Sharp measurements were made along two orthogonal axes crossing exactly on the THB. The vertical axis was parallel to the craniocaudal axis of the body. Taking the THB as a landmark, the five structures were identified in all the specimens. The mean value, standard deviation, and range of measurements for each structure studied are given in the text. This study shows the THB to be a useful landmark which is an aid to locating the aforementioned structures with confidence, and concludes that knowledge of this landmark would be beneficial for the surgeon dealing with the mid neck area.