Age and Ossification of the Hyoid Bone: Forensic Implications

Abstract

Hyoid bones from a medical examiner population were visually and radiographically examined to determine the presence or absence of bony fusion of the greater cornua to the central body. Fusion was found to increase in frequency with age. Hyoid bones fused more frequently in males than in females. Females showed an especially high frequency of unilateral nonfusion.