Abstract: Objective To study the causes of false-positive hyoid fractures and forensic identification. Methods Twelve cases of false-positive hyoid fractures were collected and analyzed. Results Improper dissection technique （4 cases） and congenital separation （8 cases） were the main reasons for false-positive hyoid fractures. Conclusion True fractures can be differentiated from false-positive hyoid fractures. False-positive hyoid fracture caused by improper dissection technique can be identified through examination of peripheral muscle, soft tissue hemorrhage, and the characteristics of fracture end.

Key words: forensic pathology, fractures, bone, hyoid bone