title: [Analysis of false-positive hyoid fractures: 12 forensic identification cases].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the causes of false-positive hyoid fractures and forensic identification.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve cases of false-positive hyoid fractures were collected and analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Improper dissection technique (4 cases) and congenital separation (8 cases) were the main reasons for false-positive hyoid fractures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  True fractures can be differentiated from false-positive hyoid fractures. False-positive hyoid fracture caused by improper dissection technique can be identified through examination of peripheral muscle, soft tissue hemorrhage, and the characteristics of fracture end.
authors.forename: Yu-lei
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Kai-jun
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Jian-jun
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Yan
mesh_terms: D001344:Autopsy; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D006928:Hyoid Bone / Q000293:injuries*; D009132:Muscles