Overview of the ossified stylohyoid ligament based in more than 1200 forensic autopsies

J Clin Forensic Med. 2006 Jul;13(5):268-70. doi: 10.1016/j.jcfm.2005.09.006. Epub 2006 Jan 25.

Abstract

The human stylohyoid chain presents considerable anatomic variability. In a personal series of 1215 forensic autopsies, eleven cases of complete ossification of the stylohyoid ligament have been revealed. Nine cases were bilateral and two cases were unilateral ossifications. A fractured ossified stylohyoid ligament was found in one case. The embryology and clinical significance of this condition has been mentioned briefly.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Forensic Pathology
  • Fractures, Bone / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hyoid Bone / pathology*
  • Ligaments / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ossification, Heterotopic / pathology*