Effect of genioglossus, geniohyoid, and digastric advancement on tongue base and hyoid position

Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis: To assess the effect of genioglossus, geniohyoid, and anterior digastric muscle advancement on base of tongue and hyoid position. Study Design: Cadaver experiments. Methods: In fresh cadavers, the mandibular attachments of the genioglossus, geniohyoid, and anterior digastric muscles were advanced anteriorly by 6, 10, or 14 mm, and the anterior displacement of the base of tongue and hyoid was measured. The degrees of displacement of the tongue base and hyoid by the individual muscles and combinations of muscles were compared to one another. Results: In 11 cadavers, 462 measurements were taken. Genioglossus advancement alone produced significantly greater tongue base advancement than any other muscle (P