Mylohyoid Variations and their Clinical Implications

Abstract

The mylohyoid separates the sublingual and submandibular spaces and is, therefore, important with regard to the spread of infection and space occupying lesions. The mylohyoid may also be elevated in submental flap procedures. Therefore, mylohyoid variations are implicated in infection spread and are also important with regard to surgical planning. However, there have only been a few reported mylohyoid variations outside of mylohyoid boutonnieres. This report documents a case series of exotic mylohyoid variations including mylohyoid musculature that does not insert at the hyoid but rather inserts into the anterior digastric muscle belly, intermediate tendon of the digastric muscle, and geniohyoid. In each case, the mylohyoid is not a true mylohyoid because it does not insert into the hyoid. Understanding the potential for mylohyoid variation may improve clinical assessment, treatment, and prognosis in the suprahyoid region.Support or Funding InformationWV Research Challenge Fund [HEPC.dsr.17.06] and [HEPC.dsr.14.13]This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.