Aspects of the hyoid-larynx complex in forensic pathology

Post-mortem radiological studies of the hyoid-larynx complex on excised specimens were undertaken. The post-mortem specimens were fixed to polysterene boards by ratio-translucent plastic pins. Radiological examinations revealed a fracture of the left greater cornu of the hyoid bone in a case of suicidal hanging; a fracture through the calcified right superior cornu of the thyroid cartilage in a case of blunt trauma to the left side of the head and neck; and a fracture artefact through the middle of the left greater cornu of the hyoid bone through compression of the structure by manipulation during the process of removal of the neck structures. In each instance the fracture sites were exposed and photographed. The use of a technique which permits a radiological examination of free dissected specimens of the hyoid-larynx complex has many advantages in the medicolegal investigations of injuries of the neck.