Publication at Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové |
2012
Abstract
In peri-mortem decapitation from suicidal hanging, evidence of vital reaction is of major importance in eliminating the possibility of post-mortem mutilation, dismemberment or beheading induced by putrefaction. Apart from the evidence available at the scene, the so-called signs of vitality may also be useful.
In cases of complete peri-mortem decapitation due to hanging, the severance line is most commonly located between C1 and C2, typically with the fracture of the base of the odontoid process. The second most frequent severance plane is between C2 and C3.
At this level, injury occurs mainly in the area of the intervertebral disc and the vertebral arch without fractures of the vertebral bodies.