Composite hyoid-sternohyoid graft in the correction of established subglottic stenosis.

A new technique for the treatment of subglottic stenosis is reported. A composite hyoid bone with sternohyoid muscle graft is used to replace the anterior arch of the cricoid, combined with a vertical split of the posterior laminal of the cricoid. Internal splinting is maintained with a Silastic mould. Ten patients with established subglottic stenosis, 7 from traumatic and 3 from non-traumatic causes, have been treated. All patients needed a tracheostomy for maintenance of an airway prior to operation. Nine patients were successfully decannulated two weeks after removal of the internal Silastic splint. Five of the 10 patients were children under the age of 13 years.