Summary of - Estimation of Age from Hyoid Bone – Is It A Viable Option?

Document Type

Article

Abstract

In forensic science, determining the age of an individual, especially from skeletal remains, is crucial for identification purposes. Traditional methods for age estimation often involve cranial suture closure, dental eruption patterns, and the examination of long bones, among others. However, these methods have varying degrees of accuracy, particularly when applied to adult skeletons. The hyoid bone, located in the neck and involved in various functions such as swallowing and speech, is a relatively underexplored site for age estimation. Previous studies have shown promise in using the ossification patterns of the hyoid bone as indicators of chronological age, but research specific to the Indian population is limited.

Methodology

The study followed a prospective observational design, including 100 hyoid bones from cadavers aged between 20 and 70 years. The bones were carefully dissected, cleaned, and subjected to radiological examination to assess the fusion between the greater cornua and the body of the hyoid bone. The fusion was categorized into four stages: non-fusion, initiation of fusion, partial fusion, and complete fusion. These stages were then correlated with the known age of the individuals to assess the reliability of using hyoid bone ossification for age estimation.

Results

The study found that the mean age for bilateral complete fusion of the greater cornua with the body of the hyoid bone was 50.44 ± 10.28 years. When broken down by gender, the mean age for males was 52.77 ± 10.9 years, while for females, it was 48.84 ± 9.82 years. These results suggest that the hyoid bone could be a viable indicator of age, particularly in the middle-aged population. However, the small sample size limits the generalizability of these findings.

Conclusion

While the study provides valuable insights into the potential use of the hyoid bone for age estimation, it also highlights the need for further research with larger sample sizes to confirm these findings. The study concludes that while the hyoid bone shows promise as a tool for age estimation, particularly in forensic cases, more extensive research is needed to establish it as a reliable method.

Implications for Future Research

The study opens avenues for further exploration into the use of the hyoid bone for age estimation, particularly in the Indian context where specific population studies are scarce. Future research should aim to include larger and more diverse samples, as well as explore the integration of hyoid bone analysis with other age estimation techniques to improve accuracy.

Publication Date

2022

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