Pattern of Neck Tissue Injuries in Hanging - A Prospective Study

Deaths due to hanging are common in suicides. Many a time a ligature mark may be the only evidence available in cases of asphyxial deaths. A thorough examination of the ligature mark along with internal neck tissue injury is a must to arrive at the most probable cause of death. A prospective study consisting of 40 suicide cases of hanging during the period of January 2012 to September 2013 brought to the mortuary of Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai was undertaken to assess the socio-demographic factors, examination findings, both external and internal including the histopathological investigation of relevant tissue samples. It was observed that deaths due to hanging constituted 15% of the total unnatural deaths subjected to medico-legal autopsy; young adults, of the age group 21 to 30 years accounted for the maximum cases, with a male: female ratio of 3:1. 70% of the victims preferred closed room, 77.5% of them used soft and broad ligature material. Complete atypical hanging constituted 57.5% of deaths. Subcutaneous tissue injury was seen in 35% cases, Focal tear of Sternocleidomastoid muscle was seen in 32.5% cases, carotid artery tear was present in 10% of cases and 2.5% of cases had hyoid fractures.