Citation

Bosmia AN, Griessenauer CJ, Tubbs RS. J. Inj. Violence Res. 2014; 6(2): 54-56.

Affiliation

Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA. Email: cgriessenauer@uabmc.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences)

DOI

10.5249/jivr.v6i2.489

PMID

24284812

PMCID

PMC4009169

Abstract

Yubitsume is the ritualistic self-amputation of the proximal digits at the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) among members of the Japanese Mafia, or Yakuza. This practice of self-mutilation is done as a sign of apology for making a mistake deemed punishable by higher-ranking members or violating the code of the Yakuza. Members of the Yakuza may present to emergency departments seeking medical assistance to stop hemorrhage or treat infection at the site of injury following self-amputation or to have the severed portion of the injured finger reattached.

Language: en