Histopathological changes in skin and subcutaneous tissues at ligature site in cases of hanging and strangulation

94 cases of deaths due to hanging and strangulation were studied prospectively during July 2007 to December 2008 at S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur. Autopsy was conducted in all cases encompassing a detailed external and internal examination including histopathology of skin and subcutaneous tissues from ligature site. Out of 94 cases, 91 were of hanging and 3 of strangulation. In hanging, no gross haemorrhage was detected whereas it was detected in all cases of strangulation. Congestion and Compression were present in 100% cases of strangulation whereas in 28.5% and 43.95% cases of hanging respectively. Breaking of skin was present in 35.16% cases of hanging while in 33.3% cases of strangulation. Wrinkling of skin was not observed in any case of strangulation but observed in 46.15% cases of hanging. These findings indicate the importance of histopathology of ligature mark in documenting antemortem nature of hanging and strangulation in doubtful cases.