1Professor (additional) and Head, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, HBT Medical College and R. N. Cooper Hospital, Mumbai
2Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Seth G. S. Medical College & K. E. M. Hospital, Parel, Mumbai
3Resident doctor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Seth G. S. Medical College & K. E. M. Hospital, Parel, Mumbai
Online published on 8 July, 2016.
Rigor mortis is an important factor in determination of time since death. Appearance and disappearance of rigor mortis and other factors influencing the development of rigor mortis like age, sex, weight and temperature were studied in 121 medico legal autopsies, in which exact time of death was known. In 21–60 years age group, the mean time of appearance and full development of rigor mortis was 1.46 hrs and 8.40 hrs, respectively. There was no obvious difference between males and females as regards to commencement and full development of rigor mortis. Time required for commencement of rigor mortis prolongs, as weight increases. In a temperature range of 21°C to 25°C, mean time for appearance and full development of rigor mortis was 1.31 hrs and 8.23 hrs respectively, while time range for start of disappearance was 14 to 23 hrs.
Rigor mortis, time since death, autopsy
