Predictors of hyoid fracture in hanging: Discriminant function analysis of morphometric variables

Abstract 

Hyoid is a U-shaped bone present in the ventral aspect of neck at the level of fourth cervical vertebra. It is a small bone placed between the root of tongue and the thyroid cartilage. Fracture of hyoid has great significance and importance in forensic pathology. It is well documented that fracture of hyoid is a recognized finding and indicator of strangulation (more common in manual or throttling than by ligature). Fracture of hyoid is less frequently reported in hanging. Discriminant function analysis was used with all predictors (width of hyoid, antero-posterior length of hyoid and length of greater cornu) were entered together. The analysis showed that 96.0% of original grouped cases could be correctly classified.

Keywords: Discriminant function analysis, Fracture of hyoid, Predictors, Morphometry, Autopsy, Hanging