title: Suicidal ligature strangulation using gymnastics bands.
abstract: Suicidal ligature strangulation is a rare event. The most important issue to solve in the investigation is whether it is a case of homicide or suicide. The characteristics of suicidal ligature strangulation are summarized by Koops and Brinkmann with the emphasis on the nature of the ligature instrument(s). In this article, we present two cases of self-strangulation with an almost identical modus operandi using gymnastics bands. The autopsy findings and the nature of the ligature in these cases are depicted and in good accordance with the described typical observations in suicidal cases. The importance of a broad medico-legal investigation is demonstrated.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45122, Essen, Germany, iliana.tzimas@uk-essen.de.
authors.forename: Iliana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Tzimas
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bajanowski
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pollak
authors.forename: Kurt
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Trübner
authors.forename: Annette
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thierauf
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000473:pathology*; D001237:Asphyxia / Q000473:pathology*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006173:Gymnastics; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000473:pathology*; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D019876:Sports Equipment; D013405:Suicide / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*