traumatic hyoid bone fracture in patient wearing a helmet: a case report

Traumatic hyoid bone fracture in patient wearing a helmet: a case report Fractures of hyoid bone are rare and most of the injuries cause by strangulation. Hyoid bone fractures are usually the result of direct trauma to the neck through manual strangulation or hanging, blunt trauma or from projectiles.

Full Answer

Why is the hyoid bone not susceptible to fracture?

Suspended from the styloid process, the hyoid bone is not susceptible to fractures owing to it’s inherent protection which is secured by its safe position and reinforced by its mobility. The hyoid bone is encircled, in normal anatomic position, by bones: anteriorly and laterally by the mandible and posteriorly by the cervical spine.

How long should a hyoid bone fracture be observed?

Ensuring airway integrity and screening for signs of laryngeal laceration are essential in the management of suspected hyoid bone fractures. Observation for 48–72 hours is highly recommended. Keywords: hyoid, fracture, traumatic, martial arts Résumé Objectif :

Is there a hyoid bone fracture associated with taekwondo?

A case of traumatic fracture of the hyoid bone in a taekwondo athlete is presented. To the author’s knowledge this is the first case of hyoid bone fracture associated with taekwondo.

What is the treatment for hyoid fracture?

Treatment All patients suffering a hyoid bone fracture must be observed for a 48–72 hour period as previously asymptomatic patients may develop rapid hemoptysis, edema, ecchymosis and spasm resulting in life threatening asphyxia, requiring a tracheostomy and retro-pharyngeal drainage.15,17,38

Why might fracture of the hyoid bone have fatal consequences?

It is commonly associated with strangulation and rarely occurs in isolation. The fracture may be associated with gunshot injury, car accidents or induced vomiting. In 50% of strangulations and 27% of hangings, hyoid fractures occur....Hyoid bone fractureSpecialtyOrthopedics

Do forensic pathologists look for a fractured hyoid as evidence of strangulation?

Abstract. The hyoid is the U-shaped bone of the neck that is fractured in one-third of all homicides by strangulation. On this basis, postmortem detection of hyoid fracture is relevant to the diagnosis of strangulation.

How long does it take for a broken hyoid bone to heal?

While osseous healing in any fracture typically occurs in 6 weeks, symptom resolution for a hyoid fracture has been reported at 2–8 weeks [1–3]. The patient in the present case had full resolution of symptoms by 4 weeks.

Can you fracture your hyoid bone?

Hyoid bone fractures mostly occur in cases of hanging, manual strangulation, and drowning [1, 14]. These fractures may occasionally be due to direct blunt trauma [15]. The rarity of a hyoid fracture is related to the omnidirectional movement ability of the hyoid bone between the mandible and cervical spine [8].

What are the 3 types of asphyxia?

It is proposed to classify asphyxia in forensic context in four main categories: suffocation, strangulation, mechanical asphyxia, and drowning.

What evidence is typically found when a strangulation occurs?

Objective signs noted in strangulation victims include involuntary urination and defecation. Miscarriages have been anecdotally reported occurring hours to days later. Visible injuries to the neck include scratches, abrasions, and scrapes.

Can you survive a fractured hyoid bone?

All patients survived and had excellent outcomes with resolution of symptoms. Conclusion: This review shows that direct surgical treatment of hyoid fractures was performed in only 10.9% of cases. Both conservative and surgical management yielded positive outcomes.

What is a broken hyoid?

Abstract. Hyoid bone fracture is usually the result of direct trauma to the neck because of manual strangulation, hanging, blunt trauma or projectiles. However, hyoid bone fracture caused by a fall has seldom been reported.

What is hyoid bone function?

The hyoid bone is located in the front of the neck, just below the lower jaw, carrying the weight of the tongue and playing a vital role in speech and swallowing.

What are two indications that a forensic pathologist might use to help determine the time of death?

Two of the ways a forensic pathologist can determine time of death are Rigor Mortis, and Livor Mortis which both evaluate the stage of decomposition.

How much force does it take to break a hyoid bone?

Mechanisms of hyoid injury have been most commonly reported and examined in the forensic literature. 6 Studies have shown that the force required for fracture in the setting of manual strangulation is approximately 3.11kg.

What is a broken hyoid?

Abstract. Hyoid bone fracture is usually the result of direct trauma to the neck because of manual strangulation, hanging, blunt trauma or projectiles. However, hyoid bone fracture caused by a fall has seldom been reported.

What three aspects does a forensic autopsy seek information about describe each of these aspects?

Forensic autopsies seek information on the manner of death, the mechanism of death and the cause of death.