Difficult intubation stylohyoid ligament calcification

Singapore Med J. 1992 Apr;33(2):204-5.

Abstract

Intubation was difficult and traumatic in a 40-year-old patient presented for emergency oesophagoscopy because the diagnosis of stylohyoid ligament calcification was not suspected. High probability of stylohyoid ligament calcification should be suspected when there is difficulty in lifting the epiglottis and fibre-optic laryngoscopy is suggested as the best way to tackle this problem to prevent trauma and possible risk of regurgitation and aspiration especially in emergency situation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Calcinosis / pathology*
  • Esophagoscopy / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hyoid Bone / pathology*
  • Intubation* / adverse effects
  • Ligaments / diagnostic imaging
  • Ligaments / pathology*
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Trachea / injuries*