title: Characteristic Features of Hanging: A Study in Rural District of Central India.
abstract: The ligature mark is the most relevant feature of hanging. This study was undertaken with a view to determine the characteristic features of hanging and its association with ligature material or mode of suspension. Of a total medicolegal deaths reported at an Apex Medical Centre, hanging was noted in 4.1% cases, all suicidal with mortality rate of 1.5 per 100,000 population per year. The hanging was complete in 67.7% with nylon rope as the commonest type of ligature material used for ligation. The hanging mark was usually single, situated above thyroid cartilage, incomplete, prominent, and directed toward nape of neck. The mark of dribbling of saliva was seen in 11.8% cases. Facial congestion, petechial hemorrhage, and cyanosis were significantly seen in partial hanging. Though occasionally reported, the argent line was noted in 78.7% hanging deaths with neck muscle hemorrhage in 23.6% cases. Fracture of neck structure was predominant in complete hanging.
authors.affiliation: Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Nagpur, 440 003, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Vipul Namdeorao
authors.initials: VN
authors.lastname: Ambade
authors.affiliation: Department of Forensic Medicine, Vasantrao Naik Government Medical College, Yeotmal, 445 001, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Dayanand
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kolpe
authors.affiliation: Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Nagpur, 440 003, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Nilesh
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tumram
authors.affiliation: Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Nagpur, 440 003, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Satin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Meshram
authors.affiliation: Department of Forensic Medicine, Vasantrao Naik Government Medical College, Yeotmal, 445 001, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Mohan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pawar
authors.affiliation: Department of Forensic Medicine, Vasantrao Naik Government Medical College, Yeotmal, 445 001, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Hemant
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kukde
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001237:Asphyxia / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D003490:Cyanosis / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D011693:Purpura / Q000473:pathology; D012424:Rural Population; D012621:Seasons; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: asphyxial deaths; characteristic features; forensic science; hanging; hanging mark; ligature material