In an unidentified skeletonised body, the greater cornua of the hyoid bone are found fused bilaterally with the body. The single best inference regarding age is:

• A Above 40 years ✓
• B Between 20 and 30 years
• C Below 15 years
• D Age cannot be inferred from the hyoid

Explanation

The hyoid bone arises from separate centres for the body and each greater cornua. Synostosis between the greater horns and the body generally occurs only after about 40 years, so bilateral fusion places the individual beyond middle age. The same anatomical feature has forensic relevance in strangulation because the fused, brittle hyoid fractures more readily in older victims. In adolescents the joints are cartilaginous and mobile, so options describing younger ages are excluded by the finding of true bony union.

Reference: Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Krishan Vij, 5th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.