In throttling (manual strangulation), the pattern of hyoid fracture differs from ligature strangulation because:

• A Ligature strangulation always breaks both greater cornua simultaneously
• B Throttling causes mid-body transverse fracture; ligature causes oblique fractures
• C Both methods produce identical hyoid fracture patterns; only the ligature mark differs
• D Throttling fractures the greater cornu at the junction with the body; ligature strangulation rarely fractures hyoid ✓

Explanation

In throttling (manual strangulation), the fingers compress the lateral aspects of the hyoid, particularly the junction of the greater cornu with the body, which is the weakest point; fractures are often unilateral and at the cornu-body junction. Ligature strangulation exerts more uniform circumferential force and is less likely to fracture the hyoid bone. The hyoid fractures in approximately 35% of homicidal strangulation cases and is more common in persons over 40 years (due to calcification of cartilaginous joints).

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.