Abstract

Background: The greater cornua of the hyoid bone fuse with the body at a certain age. The fusion of hyoid bone can be of considerable help in estimating the age of unknown dead bodies. Aim of study: To analyze the fusion of hyoid bone in different age-groups. Materials and Methods: We studied a total of 50 cases. Hyoid bone was removed with extreme caution so as the bone does not break and be confused with fracture of hyoid bone. The structure of the bone and fusion of greater cornua to body of hyoid were studied. A master chart was prepared to store the data. The samples were placed in categories of five year age intervals. Results: A total of 30 males and 20 females comprised the study group. Maximum male and female cases were in the age group 40-45 years. Unilateral fusion was observed in 23 cases; bilateral fusion was observed in 19 cases; and non-fusion in 8 cases. Conclusion: From the results of present study, we conclude that non-fusion of greater cornua with body of hyoid bone is obsereved in cases of young age. Also, unialteral fusion and bilateral fusion is more commonly seen in the age group 40-45 years age group.

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