A Case of Abnormal Findings in the Course of the Vertebral Artery Associated with an Ossified Hyoid Apparatus. A Contraindication for Manipulation of the Cervical Spine?

Received 3 December 2003; received in revised form 19 April 2004

Abstract

Objective

To describe a case of a simultaneous occurrence of an ossified stylohyoid ligament in a 56-year-old male cadaver and anomalies of the vertebral artery, and to consider the clinical implications for manipulative therapists.

Intervention and Outcome

Dissection showed a simultaneous occurrence of complete developmental ossification of the left hyoid apparatus, variants of the vertebral artery, and a left superior vena cava in a 56-year-old male cadaver.

Discussion

Developmental variants, posttraumatic and degenerative changes of the hyoid apparatus may result in variable degrees of ossification or calcification.

Conclusion

This unusual disorder should be considered in the differential diagnosis of facial and neck pain especially within the scope of manipulation of the upper cervical spine. Cervical spine manipulation may exacerbate existing pathological conditions of the stylohyoid apparatus, thereby irritating neurovascular structures, and induce a fracture. Developmental ossification of this apparatus might be associated with anomalies in the atlantic section of the vertebral artery which make the patient more susceptible to vertebrobasilar insufficiency. We conclude that extreme care should be taken in the presence of such an ossification to avoid trauma to the stylohyoid apparatus and maybe even because of increased vertebrobasilar risk (J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2005;28:346-351).

a Research Assistant, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

b Research Assistant, Department of Human Anatomy, Embryology, Histology and Medical Physics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

c Doctoral Student, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

d Professor, Department of Human Anatomy, Embryology, Histology and Medical Physics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

e Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

Submit requests for reprints to: Barbara Cagnie, PT, PhD, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 6K3, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium

Source of support: Ghent University.

PII: S0161-4754(05)00107-7

doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2005.04.007

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