Study of age of fusion of hyoid bone

Abstract

The present study was conducted to determine the age of fusion of greater cornua with the body of hyoid bone. Age of fusion of hyoid bone can help in determining the age of an individual, especially of unknown dead bodies where only skeletal remains are available. A victim of compression of neck will more likely have fracture of hyoid bone if his hyoid bone is fused. Indian authors have reported that the fusion of hyoid bone occurs after 40 years of age. Studies done by foreign workers observed that hyoid bone fused at an earlier age (30–40 years). A total of 170 excised hyoid bones from dead bodies belonging to the age group of 20–65 years were studied. Fusion occurred earlier in females as compared to males by about 5 years. The mean age of unilateral and bilateral fusion in males was 38.25 and 53.16 years, respectively. The mean age of unilateral and bilateral fusion in females was 38.00 and 48.50 years, respectively. All the hyoid bones were fused after the age of 60 years. No significant differences were found between the fusion on right and left side.