Throat-skeleton fractures by strangulation.

The frequency of throat-skeleton fractures was investigated in a series of 30 unselected cases of strangulation. Less than half of the victims showed fractures. From the data obtained, it seems to prove that this is a connection between the frequency of fractures and the age of the victims. The radiological investigation shows that this connection is based on the degree of ossification of the throat-skeleton. This ossification starts often already at early age and should be considered as a process of ageing. Notwithstanding the irregular occurrence of throat-skeleton fractures, these injuries are obviously of a vast diagnostic value.