Characteristics of ligature mark and throat skeleton fracture in deaths due to suicidal hanging: A retrospective study

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Original Article

Author Details : Trishul O. Padole, Sharad V. Kuchewar*, Manish B. Shrigiriwar, S H. Bhosle

Volume : 6, Issue : 3, Year : 2019

Article Page : 177-181

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijfcm.2019.040

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Abstract

Introduction: The typical findings of ligature mark on neck and throat skeleton fracture depends on multiple factors. The present study is an attempt to analyze relationship of these factors with ligature mark and throat skeleton fracture in suicidal deaths by hanging.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine of Shri Vasantrao Naik Government Medical College, Yavatmal, Maharashtra State (India). Total 147 suicide deaths due to hanging were autopsied by the Department during the period of 2017 to 2018. We used a pre-formed proforma to abstract data from files of these cases, the obtained information was tabulated and coded in to charts and analyzed.
Results: The male preponderance was observed (84.34%) with age group of 21 to 30 years being most frequent. Nylon rope was used frequently among tough material by victim and Shela (long handkerchief) was most common soft ligature material. Tough ligature material frequently showed grooved ligature mark and soft showed shallow mark. More frequent throat skeleton fracture was observed with complete hanging, with age above 40 years and with tough ligature materials.
Conclusion: Definite relationship between type of ligature material and depth of ligature mark was observed. Also, degree of suspension was found to affect the level and direction of ligature mark on neck. There was a positive relation between throat skeleton fracture and the age of victim, type of ligature material and degree of suspension; whereas relationship with position of knot couldn’t be concluded.

Keywords: Suicidal hanging, Tough material, Shela (long handkerchief), Throat skeleton fracture.

How to cite : Padole T O, Kuchewar S V, Shrigiriwar M B, Bhosle S H, Characteristics of ligature mark and throat skeleton fracture in deaths due to suicidal hanging: A retrospective study. Indian J Forensic Community Med 2019;6(3):177-181

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