Hyoid Bone Imaging-boon in Asphyxial Deaths Autopsy—A Retrospective Study

The X-ray examination of corpses is the most useful tool in the field of medico-legal diagnosis and images allow clear visualization of fractures and radio-opaque foreign bodies within the deceased. In particular, the observations in the neck are quite challenging, as the anterior neck structures have anatomical variations which need differentiation from real pathologic or traumatic findings. Fractures of the hyoid laryngeal complex are commonly regarded as evidence of asphyxia but these can be too subtle to be detected during autopsy. Hyoid fractures in victims of strangulation and hanging are well documented. Plain radiographs of the hyoid laryngeal complex of the neck can be used to determine if fracture is present or if synchondrotic joint explains the apparent discontinuity in the bone or abnormal mobility. We present a study of postmortem radiological assessment of hyoid laryngeal complex of 12 medico-legal cases, which were conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, at a tertiary hospital, to find the exact cause and manner of death. Postmortem radiographs were helpful as an aid in the routine autopsy, and documented the signs of trauma to bony structures in the neck.