title: Microscopic evidence of previous trauma to the hyoid bone in a homicide involving pressure to the neck.
abstract: Post-mortem examination of a female homicide victim suggested a fracture of the larynx and increased flexibility, without associated hemorrhage, of the hyoid bone. There was a history of domestic violence, which included an allegation of attempted strangulation. Microscopy confirmed a recent fracture of the larynx and showed evidence of a healing fracture in the hyoid bone. Death was due to multiple blunt force trauma, including pressure to the neck. The deceased's partner admitted strangulation and was convicted of murder. The discussion concentrates on causation of laryngo-hyoid fractures and the potential usefulness of microscopy, particularly identifying evidence of previous trauma.
authors.affiliation: Wales Institute of Forensic Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK. davisonam@cardiff.ac.uk
authors.forename: Andrew M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Davison
authors.forename: E John
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D001237:Asphyxia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D001344:Autopsy; D002423:Cause of Death; D017579:Domestic Violence; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D049429:Forensic Pathology / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006708:Homicide; D006801:Humans; D006928:Hyoid Bone / Q000293:injuries*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011312:Pressure; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology