The pathology of hanging deaths in Western Australia.
We present here the results of a prospective study of the pathology of 233 fatalities due to hanging in Western Australia (WA). The deaths occurred during the 5 year period 1988-92. Post mortem examination of these cases was undertaken according to a standardised protocol by forensic pathologists of this office. Post mortem findings of a further 37 cases examined by medical practitioners in rural WA are also reviewed, making a useful comparison. Petechial hemorrhages, as a hallmark of asphyxiation, were present in 113 of the 233 cases (48%). An observable ligature mark to the skin of the neck was seen in 230 cases (99%). Injury to the tissues of the neck was identified in 122 cases (52%), more commonly with complete suspension of the body (62%) than incomplete suspension (46%). Neck injury was essentially equally prevalent with a slip-knot (58%) or a fixed knot (60%). Other fresh injuries besides the neck injury were present on the deceased's body in 80 cases (34%). In the 37 non-metropolitan cases, an observable ligature mark to the skin of the neck was recorded in 30 (81%). Petechial hemorrhages were described in 3 cases (8%). Internal neck injury was apparently observed in 10 cases (27%), although precise detail adequately identifying the site of injury was given in only 2 cases (5%).
Samarasekera
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Department of Forensic Pathology, Western Australian Centre for Pathology and Medical Research (PathCentre), Nedlands, WA.
Cooke
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001237:Asphyxia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology*; D002423:Cause of Death; D005260:Female; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007830:Larynx / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009333:Neck / Q000473:pathology; D019838:Neck Injuries; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011693:Purpura / Q000473:pathology; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000473:pathology; D013957:Thyroid Cartilage / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D014904:Western Australia