Gender based Variations in Hyoid Bone Dimensions measured using Computed Tomography: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Identifying the age and sex of an unknown skull is challenging and crucial. Although forensic anthropology frequently receives fragmentary remains, certain parts are often obtained in great condition. In such conditions, the hyoid bone, which differs in shape and size between both genders, can be utilised to determine gender. Aim: To assess gender-based variations in hyoid bone dimensions using Computed Tomography (CT). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical timebound study was conducted from April 2021 to March 2023 in the Department of Radiodiagnosis at KS Hegde Hospital, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India, consisting of 68 patients, including 34 males and 34 females referred for CT neck within the age range of 20-55 years. From the acquired data, different dimensions such as Hyoid Width (HW), Hyoid Length (HL), and Body Length (BL) of the hyoid bone were measured on 3D images to evaluate gender-related variations. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The Independent sample t-test was used to compare HL, HW, and BL according to gender. Results: The mean HL in males was found to be 36.3±3.3 mm, whereas in females, it measured 30.6±1.9 mm. The mean HW in males was determined to be 41.75±5.1 mm, while in females, it was 35.2±4.5 mm. Furthermore, the mean BL in males was 19.3±2.0 mm, whereas in females, it measured 16.4±1.7 mm. Conclusion: CT measurements of the hyoid bone using 3D images can be a vital tool for gender determination in forensic medicine.