Clinical analysis of omohyoid muscle syndrome in 34 cases

Abstract

Objective To explore the etiology,diagnosis and treatment of omohyoid muscle syndrome(OMS).Method Clinical data of 34 OMS cases was analyzed retrospectively from 1980 to 2008.In the autopsy of 19 bodies we studied omohyoid muscle,especially the intermediate tendons,sheaths of tendon and projection of omohyoid muscles.Result The symptom of omohyoid muscle syndrome lies in a mass that can be seen on the neek while swallowing,and the patient feels discomfort and dysphagia.The mass disappears immediately after swallowing and cann't be found by palpation.Congenital fascia weakness,intermediate tendon sheath relaxation,atrophy,degeneration and contracture of omohuoid muscle causes OMS.OMS was diagnosed on clinical manifestation.All 34 patients were treated surgically including cutting off the cross part of omohyoid muscle and sternocleidomastoid muscle,separating adhesion of muscle and fascia.Postoperatively symptoms disappeared in all these 34 patients.Conclusions Omohyoid muscle syndrome is a disease that can be easily diagnosed basing on characteristic clinical symptom and sign,the prognosis is good if treated properly by an operation. Key words: Musclar atrophy; Syndrome; Deglutition disorders