Citation

Yadav A, Gupta BM, Pathak D. Med. Legal Update 2009; 9(2): 12-13.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, R.K. Sharma and Institute of Medico-Legal Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

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.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; human; suicide; male; autopsy; case report; hanging; article; computer assisted tomography; cervical spine injury; Suicidal hanging; outcome assessment; clinical evaluation; spine radiography; Atlanto-axial dislocation; atlantoaxial dislocation; Predental space