Radiological, light and electron microscopic study of the ossification process within the hyoid bone synchondrosis and it's relation to age and sex

ABSTRACT

The radiological study has revealed that the timing of fusion of the hyoid bone synchondrosis was influenced by sex. Unilateral fusion of the hyoid bone synchondrosis was first observed at age of 19 years in males and 23 years in females and it was common in older females than males. Bilateral fusion was first observed in males at the age of 36 years, while in females, it occurred later at the age of 43 years. The fusion of the hyoid synchondrosis did not occur at any particular age but it was usually completed between the ages 36-45 years in males and 43-56 years in females. Electron microscopic study revealed that there was no difference in the morphology of bone and cartilage cells from the hyoid bone synchondrosis and those of the epiphyseal cartilage of the long bones