Interesting, I looked at my CBCT and the hyoid looks crooked/displaced. Is this a problem?
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Yes, I do.
Makes perfect sense. I hope the surgery allows the hyoid to level out & swallowing is no longer a problem for you! Maybe ask about that, too i.e. can Dr DeSilva level out the hyoid & somehow stabilize it in a correct position after he removes the greater horn.
My concern is that if Dr. deSilva only removes the right greater cornu, the remaining hyoid will still be displaced due to the left greater cornu going through the carotid bifurcation potentially causing issues.
That is something to address pre-op. As @KoolDude suggested, take in the 3D image(s) where the carotid issue is visible & have a discussion about it. Ask if he’ll please check up on that situation & ask what’ll he’ll do if he finds it is a problem. You need to know clearly what he’ll do during surgery & what to expect during recovery & beyond i.e. will changing the hyoid so drastically leave you w/ any long-term difficulties especially swallowing but also pain, muscle tension in the area, etc.
I agree with you. I’ve already showed him multiple images of this area and he said the left side “wasn’t a problem”. About the only thing I can do is to ask him to go ahead and remove the left side. However, he removed the WHOLE greater cornu, as opposed to just shaving a small portion of the bone…which honestly scares the heck out of me. Just looking at the orientation of the hyoid, it’s easy to see why my supra-hyoid muscles are incredibly tight. The left side of the hyoid bone hangs downward a lot!
I still haven’t ruled out having surgery with Dr. Gillespie. I meet with him later this week to discuss things further.
I’m glad you’re leaving your options open. My best advice is to compile a list of questions for both doctors which, for example, entails (not necessarily in this order):
Of course, you should add other questions you have.
