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Forensic Significance of the Polymorphism of Hyoid Bone Shape

NCJ Number
172013
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 42 Issue: 5 Dated: (September 1997) Pages: 890-892
Author(s)
M S Pollanen; D H Ubelaker
Date Published
1997
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This study evaluates the relevance of hyoid bone shape and dimensions in determining whether hyoid fracture occurs during strangulation.
Abstract
The reasons why some hyoids fracture in strangulation and others do not may relate to anatomic features of the hyoid bone. This study examined the dimensions and shape of hyoid bones (n=100) from the Terry collection, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution. The study also compared the metric parameters of fractured hyoid bones from 10 cases (8 female, 2 male) of strangulation with the dimensions of the hyoid bones from the Terry collection. The metric features of the fractured bones were attributable to the predominance of females in the group of fractured bones studied, an anticipated observation because the majority of strangulations involve female decedents. The study concludes that variables other than the shape and dimensions of the hyoid bone are more relevant in determining if hyoid fracture occurs during strangulation, Figures, references