An image processing scheme to quantitatively extract and validate hyoid bone motion based on real-time ultrasound recordings of swallowing

An image processing technique with associated hardware was developed to quantitatively extract hyoid bone motion from real-time submandibular ultrasound images recorded during the swallowing act. Videofluorographic images was recorded simultaneously and synchronized with the ultrasound. Hyoid position obtained from the ultrasound was validated based on the videofluorography results using personal-computer-based image processing methods.