The Role of Hyoid Suspension in Multilevel Sleep Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract Purpose of Review This review examines the available literature on hyoid suspension in the context of multilevel sleep surgery for obstructive sleep apnea. Topics covered include surgical techniques, surgical success rates, nature and rate of complications, and areas of interest for future investigation. Recent Findings Hyoid suspension is significantly less invasive than other surgical interventions targeting hypopharyngeal collapse such as genioglossus advancement or midline glossectomy. Published data suggest similar or superior efficacy compared to these approaches. Like these other approaches, results of hyoid suspension are most consistent when combined with palatal surgery. Emerging data suggests that hyoid suspension to the mandible may be more effective than hyoid suspension to the thyroid cartilage. Summary Hyoid suspension is a safe and effective procedure that shows promising rates of surgical success when combined with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Future research should focus on comparing hyothyroid and hyomandibular suspension and identifying patient-specific factors that are associated with surgical success.