Morphometric Study of Hyoid Bone and its Forensic Implication
Abstract
Background: Hyoid bone, the bone of the anterior midline of the neck, is significant in forensic medicine as it presents the sexual dimorphism. The main aim of this study was to assess the morphometry of hyoid bone and its relationship with sex and height of individual.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, conducted on 60 hyoid bones (36 male and 24 female) in the Department of Anatomy from the year 2013 to 2016 AD. The ethical approval was taken from the department. The 12 major anthropometric measurements were taken on each hyoid bone using a digital Vernier Caliper, and electronic weighing machine.
Result: Total of 60 hyoid bones were studied in this study, out of which 36(60%) were male. The average length of all 12 major parameters of the hyoid bone were found to be significantly greater in male than in female. Moreover, the length of the cadaver (height) had significant correlation with the vertical breadth and transverse length of the body of hyoid bone. The average length of right greater cornu in male and females were 32.78+2.44 mm and 28.89+2.47 mm respectively. The width of the body of the hyoid bone in the midline in male and female were 22.51+3.73 mm and 20.27+1.75 mm respectively. The antero-posterior thickness of the body in male and female were 5.66+0.97 mm and 6.45+1.79 mm respectively. It was also observed that the hyoid bone was heavier in male (1.858+0.433gm) than in females (1.261+0.102gm).
Conclusion: All the anthropometric measurements of hyoid bone were significantly greater in males than in females. Moreover, the height of the person had strong positive correlation with the vertical breadth and transverse length of the body of the hyoid bone. The anthropometric parameters of hyoid bone can be used for forensic investigation as well as archeological studies.
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