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Fractures of the axis caused by hanging
Zeitschrift Fur Rechtsmedizin. Journal of Legal Medicine
|January 31, 1978
Summary
Hangman's fracture, a type of axis neural arch fracture, can occur during hanging due to neck stretching and head anteroflexion, not just a long drop and submental knot.
Area of Science:
- Forensic pathology
- Traumatology
- Anatomy
Background:
- The neural arch of the axis (C2 vertebra) is susceptible to fracture, commonly termed hangman's fracture.
- Historically, a long drop and submental knot were considered prerequisites for this injury during judicial hanging.
Observation:
- A case study is presented involving a hangman's fracture sustained during a hanging incident.
- The specific circumstances of the case involved stretching of the neck combined with anteroflexion of the head.
Findings:
- The presented case demonstrates that hangman's fractures can result from neck stretching and head anteroflexion.
- This challenges the traditional view that a long drop and submental knot are absolute prerequisites.
Implications:
- Understanding the biomechanics of hangman's fractures is crucial for forensic investigations.
- This finding broadens the potential mechanisms leading to axis neural arch fractures in hanging scenarios.
- Revises understanding of injury causation in hanging-related trauma.