The ossified hyoid apparatus--morphology, interpretation, clinical and functional significance. Presentation of a rare case and highlights of the literature.

A rare and unique case of completely ossified hyoid apparatus, found in an 80 years old female cadaver, is presented. The ossified apparatus consists of 4 bones bilaterally--the stylohyal, the main and the accessory keratohyal and the hypohyal--of which the 2 first, on the left and the second and third, on the right, were almost fused. In addition a very long lesser cornu, exceeding 35 mm, was noted bilaterally. Highlights of the literature are given with respect to anatomy, comparative anatomy, embryology as well as to clinical and functional implications.