Neck markings and fractures in suicidal hangings.

Over a 10-year period in which both a retrospective and prospective study of suicidal hangings was made, fractures of the thyroid cartilage alone, or the hyoid bone alone, or of both together were noted in 20% of the cases. In the prospective study, an incidence of 46% was found. This contrasts sharply with the incidence of 15% in the retrospective study. This wide discrepancy indicates the need for longer periods of a controlled prospective study by properly trained prosectors. Fractures were found in all age groups above 19 years of age and occurred whether suspension was complete or incomplete, whether the ligature was soft or hard, narrow or wide, and whether decedents did or did not jump from a platform. The higher incidence of fractures occurring among women is unexplained. The presence of reddish or pink bands or linear streaks (with or without superimposed abrasions) along one side of the neck, separated by bands of pale skin, canting upwards towards the back of the neck and revealing the imprint of a folded cloth permits the diagnosis of ante-mortem hanging in the absence of very strong proof to the contrary. As in any type of Medical Examiner's case, a knowledge of the circumstances and investigation of the scene are required before a final determination of the cause and manner of death can be considered.