[Non-strangulation-induced injuries of the larynx and hyoid bone]

Injuries of the larynx and hyoid bone resulting from forces other than compression of the neck were found in 129 of 5591 cases (2.3%) of medico-legal autopsies performed between 1978-1987. Victims of blunt trauma showed these fractures in 6.7%, victims of incides or stab wounds in 9.2%, other cases in 0.4%. The results were compared with clinical observations of laryngotracheal trauma.