Pattern of Non-Compressive Mechanical Injuries to Neck-A Prospective Study

The present study was carried out in the department of Forensic Medicine, M. S. Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore from October 2011 to March 2013 over a period of 18 months with a aim to know the pattern of non-compressive mechanical injuries to neck and the related socio-demographic profile.

During study period, of the 1478 cases which were subjected for postmortem examination, 133 cases showed non-compressive mechanical injury to the neck (9%). Males (82%) outnumbered females (18%). Age group between 21–30 years was affected more. Road traffic accidents (28.6%), railway injuries (26.3%) and drowning (18%) were the major causes of non-compressive mechanical injuries to neck. Incidence of injury by blunt force (63.2%) was far more common than obstructive force (30.1%) and sharp force (4.5%). Incidence of non-penetrating injuries (31.6%) was more than penetrating injuries (27%) to neck. The common types of injuries were abrasions (12.8%), decapitations (12%), thermal injuries (8.3%), followed by laceration (6.8%) and contusion (6.8%). Front of neck was more frequently involved, as compared to the back. In the front region left side was more commonly involved.