Atlanto-axial dislocation in suicidal hanging, a rare outcome

An unusual case of injury to cervical spine at the level of C1-C2 vertebrae is being described in a case of hanging, suicidal in nature. This finding was diagnosed through clinical evaluation, plain radiograph and computed tomography followed by confirmation on autopsy examination. In this case, there was atlanto-axial dislocation without fracture in suicidal hanging with no prerequisites for this type of injury, like long drop and submental knot or predisposing pathology. Atlanto-axial dislocation occurs after rupture of the cruciform ligament, injuring the spinal cord and medulla.