Citation

Dileep Kumar KB, Raghavendra R, Havanur B. Journal of South India Medicolegal Association 2016; 8(1): 53-54.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

Hanging is the most common method of suicide that we encounter in the routine autopsy practice. Known mechanisms of death include asphyxiation due to airway obstruction, cerebral ischemia due to arterial blockage, vagal inhibition (reflex cardiac arrest) due to carotid sinus compression, congestion due to venous blockage, and fracture in cervical vertebral column with the cord injury. The incidence of cervical spine injuries in suicidal hangings with a short-drop has been reported to be extremely low or nonexistent. Here we report a case of a 72 year old female, who committed suicide by hanging at her living room using synthetic saree as ligature material. Autopsy examination reveals osteoporotic changes with fracture and dislocation of body of 3rd & 4th cervical vertebrae. There were no signs of asphyxia seen over the body. © 2016 South India Medico-Legal Association. All rights reserved.

Language: en