Osteoradionecrosis of the hyoid presenting as acute airway compromise.

Background: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the mandible is a well-known complication of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. However, few reports have described hyoid bone ORN and its clinical implications.

Methods: We describe a retrospective case series of previously irradiated patients who were seen with sudden airway compromise, found to have underlying pathological hyoid fractures secondary to osteoradionecrosis.