Greater Horn of the Hyoid

cornu majus ossis hyoidei

The greater horns (greater cornua) are the paired lateral projections of the hyoid bone extending posterolaterally from the body. They are connected to the lesser horns and body at the body-horn junction. The superior thyroid artery and the hypoglossal nerve run along and above the greater horn. The thyrohyoid muscle attaches to the upper border; the middle pharyngeal constrictor to the outer surface; and the hyoglossus to the posterior surface.

Region: Neck

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The greater horn of the hyoid is fractured in manual strangulation, along with the thyroid cartilage and other hyoid components. Forensic identification of hyoid fracture is an important indicator of manual or ligature strangulation in homicide investigation. In surgical approaches to the hyoid (hyoidectomy for sleep apnea procedures, thyroplasty), the greater horn is the lateral extent of dissection. The superior laryngeal nerve block targets the thyrohyoid membrane just above the greater horn tip.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Hyoid Greater Horn Fracture in Manual Strangulation

Compression of the neck in manual strangulation fractures the hyoid greater horns and thyroid cornua at points of bony stress concentration; forensic identification of these fractures at autopsy, particularly with haemorrhage into the adjacent soft tissues, confirms manual neck compression as the cause of death.