Hyoid Movement as a Predictor of Aspiration in Patients with Dysphagia

Abstract

Objective: 1) Quantify the differences in hyoid movement in elderly patients with and without aspiration. 2) Determine whether reduced hyoid displacement is a significant predictor of aspiration in patients with dysphagia. Method: Data on hyoid displacement and aspiration was collected from pre-existing modified barium swallow (MBS) studies at USC University Hospital from the past 5 years. Patient studies were selected on the basis of bolus volume (5 and 10 mL), age (>60 years), and dysphagia symptoms at the time of the study. Results: Studies were grouped by absence of aspiration on MBS, bolus volume, sex, and complaint of dysphagia as documented in their medical records at the time of the study. Preliminary results show that patients without aspiration or penetration (n = 2) achieved a mean hyoid displacement of 2.05 cm, whereas patients with aspiration or penetration (n = 5) achieved a hyoid displacement of only 1.53 cm. Conclusion: Based on preliminary results, it appears that hyoid movement may accurately predict patients who are at high risk of aspiration and may serve as a parameter for treatment goals in these patients. However, greater sample size and establishment of controls are needed to further validate these findings.