An Autopsy Study of Examination of Neck Injuries & Face, in deaths due to Suicidal Hanging

Abstract

This Study on Injuries to the Neck Structures was conducted on over 634 cases of Suicidal Hanging during the Period 2009 to 2020. The Aim of the Study is to Understand the Damage to the Neck structures Externally and Internally, with Particular Reference to Sternocleimastoid Muscle, Internal Carotid Artery, Thyroid, Cricoid, Laryngeal Cartilage and Hyoid Bone. The Cervical Spine was also Examined for Fractures. The Thyroid Gland and Parotid Gland Were Studied Microscopically. The Ligature Mark changes and the Conjunctiva were Examined. The Changes in complete and Partial Suspension was Examined and Compared. The Neck dissection technique, as advocated by Prinsloo and Gordon was undertaken to study the injuries to the thyro-hyoid complex, strap muscles, carotid vessels, etc. Females Formed the Major Number 62% of cases. In Complete Hanging Injury and Hemorrhages of the Sternocleidomastoid muscles at sterna end was noted in 86% of cases whereas it was recorded in only 8% of cases in Partial Hanging. The protrusion of Tongue and Dribbling of Saliva was well appreciated in 98% and 92% of cases respectively in Complete Hanging,wheras it was appreciated in 38% and 46% respectively, in Partial Hanging cases. The Obliquity of Ligature Mark was well appreciated in All the cases of Complete Hanging whereas it was reported in only 72% cases of Partial Hanging. Capsular & Parenchymal Hemorrhages of the Thyroid and Parotid Gland was reported in 68% cases of Complete Hanging, but only 8% of Partial Hanging reported the Histological Changes. The epithelial structures over the Ligature Mark along its Margins were displaced upwards and downwards in 91% of Complete Hanging whereas it was reported in 29% of Partial Hanging. Hence Understanding the Structural Damage to the Neck is always important to understand the Suicidal Hanging.