Hyoid Bone Position Analysis for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are time-consuming, burdensome for patients, and lack effective methods for objectively determining the risk or degree of hyoid bone sinking, which are critical for developing appropriate treatment strategies.
Innovation Solution
A method using lateral and posteroanterior/anteroposterior head and neck radiography to detect the position of the hyoid bone relative to other anatomical landmarks, employing a computer program to determine the risk of OSAS and hyoid bone sinking by analyzing the position of the hyoid bone in radiographic images, facilitating the creation of effective oral appliances for treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If polysomnography (PSG) is carried out for diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but examination time and patient burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using cephalometric analysis to pre-evaluate anatomical risk factors (hyoid bone position, mandibular plane angle, soft palate length) before conducting full PSG examination. This allows identification of high-risk patients who may require PSG, thereby reducing unnecessary examinations and optimizing diagnostic timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cephalometric analysis as an intermediary diagnostic tool between initial screening and full PSG examination. This intermediary method provides objective morphological evaluation that can triage patients, reducing the number of patients requiring comprehensive PSG while maintaining diagnostic accuracy for high-risk cases.
2Measurement precision
If multiple diagnostic procedures (PSG, MSLT, cephalometry) are performed to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patient burden and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnostic process into distinct components: cephalometric analysis for anatomical evaluation, PSG for physiological confirmation, and MSLT for sleep latency assessment. This segmentation allows each procedure to serve a specific purpose, enabling systematic selection and reduction of necessary procedures based on individual patient risk profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by measuring specific cephalometric parameters (hyoid bone position relative to mandibular plane, mandibular plane angle, soft palate length) to create a risk assessment model. By changing the approach from direct physiological measurement to anatomical parameter analysis, the system can screen patients more efficiently before proceeding to invasive diagnostic procedures.
3Measurement precision
If cephalometry is used for morphological evaluation of upper respiratory tract, then objective evaluation is improved, but effectiveness for predicting OSAS risk remains uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using cephalometric measurements to generate a risk assessment that can be validated against PSG results. The system compares cephalometric predictions with actual OSAS diagnosis outcomes, allowing continuous refinement of the predictive model and improving reliability through iterative validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct physiological measurement mechanisms (PSG) with anatomical measurement mechanisms (cephalometry) for initial screening. By substituting mechanical/physiological detection with geometric/anatomical analysis, the system achieves objective morphological evaluation that can predict OSAS risk based on structural factors.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables objective and rapid assessment of OSAS risk and hyoid bone position, allowing for the development of tailored oral appliances to treat OSAS, thereby improving diagnostic efficiency and treatment effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
using at least the hyoid bone, sella S, gonion Go and menton Me which are detected by lateral head and neck radiography of a subject
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method of deciding the risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome capable of deciding the risk of a subject to become obstructive sleep apnea syndrome objectively and easily in a short time, its program and an X-ray diagnostic system having the program.The method includes detecting at least the hyoid bone, sella S, gonion Go and menton Me by lateral head and neck radiography of the subject; and deciding whether the center of the body or the whole of the body of the detected hyoid bone is included in an area above a perpendicular drawn toward the extended line of the segment S-Go from Me or not.