Epidemiological Factors Assessment and Study on Neck Structures Injury in Hanging Deaths

ABSTRACT

Most of the hanging cases are considered as suicidal until the homicidal and accidental are proved, because both homicidal and accidental hanging are rare. In these cases a careful forensic examination plays an important role to determine the ante mortem character of the lesion and to exclude causes of hanging other than suicidal hanging. Aim: This study we carried to know the internal and external examination findings among hanging cases. Methods: Hanging deaths with external neck injuries along with ligature mark were included in this study. In this study a total of 60 cases of deaths due to hanging, was subjected to medico legal autopsy. Results: Majority of the cases were observed in the age group of 21-40 years i.e., 41 (69.4%) out of 59 hanging deaths. Out of 59 deaths, 32 (54.2%) were females and 27 (45.7%) were males. Among neck structure injuries, majority of hanging cases had rupture / contusion of sternocleidomastoid and other strap muscles of neck, it was 57.6%. 33.8% cases had carotid intimal tear, 5% cases showed hyoid bone fracture and 3.3% thyroid cartilage. No fractures noted in Cricoid cartilage and cervical vertebra. Conclusion: Social awareness, problem solving and family support of most common age group is extremely necessary