Ligature Marks

ABSTRACT

Many a times, a ligature mark may be the only evidence available in cases of asphyxial deaths due either to hanging or strangulation. A through examination of the ligature mark and analysis of the information provided by it, is therefore, a must to arrive at the most probable cause of death and differentiate between hanging and the ligature strangulation. A retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Government Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh, between 1997 to 2004 to assess the information provided by a ligature mark in such cases. We found that deaths due to hanging constituted 3.4% of the total unnatural deaths subjected to medicolegal autopsy; young adults, of the age group 21 to 25 years accounted for the maximum cases, 27%; and the male: female ratio was 2:1. Chunni was the most common ligature material used. Majority of the victims preferred multiple knots (61%) and fixed knots (58%) and a single loop (93%).

INTRODUCTION

Violent asphyxial deaths is one of the most important cause for unnatural deaths amongst which hanging and strangulation are commonly encountered in day to day autopsy. Hanging is that form of asphyxia, which is caused by suspension of the body by a ligature around the neck, the constricting force being the weight of the body. Deaths resulting from hanging show features amongst which the ligature mark in the neck is considered to be decisive. The ligature mark is a pressure abrasion on the neck at the site of the ligature which appears as a groove. Character of the ligature mark depends on various factors like the nature of the ligature, body weight, length of time the body has remained suspended and the number of turns of the ligature round the neck. The course of the ligature mark depends on whether a fixed or running noose has been used. In typical hanging, the ligature mark is situated above the level of thyroid...