Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
14:13
Coordinate Mapping of Hyolaryngeal Mechanics in Swallowing
Published on: May 6, 2014
Fusion in the hyoid bone: usefulness and implications
Deepak H D'Souza1, Setty Sathyanarayana Harish, Jayaramaiah Kiran
1Yenepoya Medical College - Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Mangalore, India. deepakdsouza@yenepoya.org
Medicine, Science, and the Law
|May 5, 2011
Summary
Hyoid bone fusion increases with age, but its variability makes it unreliable for precise age estimation. Forensic experts should consider hyoid bone fusion alongside other factors for age assessment.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Anthropology
- Osteology
Background:
- Age-related changes in skeletal structures are crucial for forensic age estimation.
- The hyoid bone, a unique bone in the neck, undergoes fusion with increasing age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of hyoid bone fusion as an indicator for age estimation.
- To determine the age range and patterns of hyoid bone fusion.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 130 excised hyoid bones from individuals aged 4-70 years.
- Macroscopic examination for evidence of unilateral and bilateral fusion.
- Correlation of fusion status with chronological age and sex.
Main Results:
- Hyoid fusion was absent in individuals under 20 years and present in some over 60 years.
- Mean age of unilateral fusion was 39.39 years in males and 37.5 years in females.
- Mean age of bilateral fusion was 41.77 years in males and 45 years in females.
- Fusion was independent of sex and side (left vs. right).
Conclusions:
- While hyoid bone fusion correlates with advancing age, its high variability limits its accuracy for precise age estimation.
- Hyoid bone fusion should be assessed in conjunction with other skeletal indicators.
- Clinicians and forensic experts should anticipate fractured hyoids in cases of neck pressure for individuals over 38 years.
Related Concept Videos
01:12The Hyoid Bone
The hyoid bone is a small U-shaped bone located in the upper neck at the level of the inferior mandible, with its tips pointing posteriorly. It does not directly articulate with any other bone in the body. The hyoid acts as the attachment site for the tongue, the larynx, and the pharynx. It is held in position by a series of small muscles attached from above or below. These muscles help to move the hyoid up/down or forward/back in coordination with movements of the tongue, larynx, and pharynx...
01:26Muscles of the Anterior Neck
The anterior neck muscles are the group of muscles covering the front part of the neck. These muscles are classified into three subgroups. The first one is the superficial muscles, the most visible muscles in the front of the neck. It includes the platysma and sternocleidomastoid. The second group is the suprahyoid muscles, located above the hyoid bone. This group comprises the digastric, mylohyoid, geniohyoid, and stylohyoid. Lastly, the infrahyoid muscles are found below the hyoid bone and...
01:21Larynx
The human larynx, often referred to as the voice box, is an intricate organ located in the neck. It serves as a pathway for air to enter the lungs during respiration and is an essential component of voice production.
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids, corniculates, and...
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids, corniculates, and...
01:19Muscles that Move the Head
The muscles that move the head are a dynamic and complex group of structures that work together to facilitate a wide range of head movements, including rotation, flexion, extension, and lateral bending.
The bilateral sternocleidomastoid, or SCM, and the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles are significant head flexors. The SCM muscles originate at the sternum and clavicle and attach to the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The SCM contracts bilaterally to bend the head forward, whereas...
The bilateral sternocleidomastoid, or SCM, and the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles are significant head flexors. The SCM muscles originate at the sternum and clavicle and attach to the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The SCM contracts bilaterally to bend the head forward, whereas...
01:03Structural Joints: Fibrous Joints
Fibrous joints are a type of joint where the bones are connected by fibrous connective tissue. These joints provide stability and minimal to no movement between the articulating bones. There are three types of fibrous joints.
Suture
All the bones of the skull, except for the mandible, are joined to each other by a fibrous joint called a suture. The fibrous connective tissue found at a suture strongly unites the adjacent skull bones and thus helps to protect the brain and form the face. In...
Suture
All the bones of the skull, except for the mandible, are joined to each other by a fibrous joint called a suture. The fibrous connective tissue found at a suture strongly unites the adjacent skull bones and thus helps to protect the brain and form the face. In...
01:22Cranial Nerves: Types Part II
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves. While the first six innervate the head and neck, the latter six nerves innervate the head and neck, as well as organs and tissues in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. They facilitate communication, expression, and autonomic control within the human body.
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...