An autopsy study of death due to Suicidal Hanging – 264 cases

摘要

© 2015The present study was carried out between 2010 and 2013, a total of 7968 Autopsies were conducted of which 3.31 (n – 264) cases were deaths due to hanging. The most preferred ligature materials were Stole (n – 79) and Bed spread/Sari (n – 68). In 88 of the cases, hanging was complete. Females (n – 136) and males (n – 128) were equally affected. The major age group involved in both the sexes was of 31–40 years, contributing to 50.76 (n – 136) of the self suspension. In 80.58 (n – 213) of the incidents, ligature mark showed discontinuity (incomplete). A Slip type of knot was used in majority of the noose, contributing to 97.73 (n – 258) of the suspensions. In 87.88 (n – 232) of hanging an oblique shaped ligature mark was noticed. The horizontal and near oblique ligature marks were seen only in cases of partial suspension. In 95.45 (n – 252) of the cases, the ligature mark showed blackening of the skin (friction burn). Only 4.54 (n – 12) showed intact skin. The outer layer of the skin over the ligature mark showed displacement in majority of the cases. Married victims contributed to 70.45 of cases. Domestic issues were the commonest reason (n – 82) for self suspension, of which female (n – 68) formed the majority of victims. In 70.83 (n – 187) of cases damage to neck muscle fibers and hemorrhage at the Sternal end of the Sternocleidomastoid muscle were present. In 85.61 (n – 226) of cases the cervical vertebra was intact. In 52.27 (n – 138) of the cases the internal carotid artery showed transverse tear. In 99.42 (n – 248) cases the thyroid cartilage was found intact. The hyoid bone was damaged in 6.06 (n – 16) of the victims. Majority of the victims, 59.09 (n – 156) belonged to low socioeconomic class.