Reviewing a cold case raised an interesting question for me on the biological breakdown of osseous structures.
Given the fragile nature and size of the hyoid bone, for example, how likely might it be to obtain any diagnostic findings after 15 years of interment? Would the likelihood be lessened if it was fractured versus intact at the time of interment?
TIA!
Edit: spelling
Pretty much per title... would an average ME see one such case in a career, a decade, a year? Also would they typically be caused by MVA, falls, failed hanging attmpt or what? Fascinating topic.
Writer here, trying to assist a distraught family with some legwork. Any advice or guidance is appreciated.
The original autopsy physician no longer practices and refuses to speak with the family. How would one go about obtaining an independent ME to review case files (tox report, investigation/forensics records, scene photos, autopsy photos)? Is there an FP/ME licensing body that maintains a contractor list or something to that effect? I assume this would typically be an hourly rate situation. What is a reasonable rate range? Are there subspecialties within the field we should be cognizant of before contracting?
Thanks in advance.