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Traumatic rupture of deep neck structures in hanging: two case reports
Anne-Sophie Advenier1, Geoffroy Lorin de la Grandmaison
1From the Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, Versailles Saint-Quentin University, AP-HP, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Garches, France.
The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|July 30, 2014
Summary
Sternocleidomastoid muscle ruptures can occur in suicidal hanging, sometimes with carotid artery damage. These rare deep neck injuries depend on ligature pressure, suspension duration, and victim factors.
Area of Science:
- Forensic pathology
- Traumatology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Neck injuries in hanging cases typically involve soft tissues like sternocleidomastoid and subhyoid muscles.
- Deep neck structure ruptures are infrequent in such incidents.
Observation:
- This study reports two cases of partial and complete sternocleidomastoid muscle ruptures following typical suicidal hanging.
- One case also presented with a common carotid artery rupture on the ipsilateral side.
- Hemorrhage was observed only microscopically at the rupture sites.
Findings:
- Ligature compression, suspension duration, and factors like body weight and rope rigidity contribute to sternocleidomastoid muscle rupture.
- The occurrence of severe injuries may be influenced by a fall after a jump.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for significant deep neck trauma in hanging, beyond superficial soft tissue damage.
- Emphasizes the need for thorough forensic examination to identify subtle but severe injuries.
- Contributes to understanding the biomechanics of neck injuries in fatal strangulation cases.