[Morphologic patterns in suicidal stab injuries of the neck]

Stabs into the neck are seen very seldom in connection with suicide. If there are features typical of suicide, the medico-legal analysis of the pathomorphological findings essentially may contribute to the differentiation from homicidal injuries. On the basis of the observations already published and three own cases an attempt is made to derive criteria of self-infliction for differential diagnosis from the autopsy findings. Concomitant injuries and combination with another method of suicide have turned out to be important indications of self-infliction.