@article{ref1,
title="Complex fracture patterns in hanging associated with a fall from height",
journal="Forensic science, medicine, and pathology",
year="2019",
author="Amadasi, Alberto and Buschmann, Claas T. and Tsokos, Michael",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="In some rare cases of hanging, the so-called 'hangman's fracture' is observed. This occurs when a fall from height is associated with hanging, e.g. capital executions. We describe the case of an 81-year-old man who committed suicide by jumping off a bridge, with a rope wrapped around his neck. The combination of hanging and falling caused a series of bone fractures to the cervical spine and the hyoid bone, leading to dislocation of the vertebral column and multiple bone fragments, producing peculiar patterns. Computed tomography also identified a transverse full-thickness fracture of the dens, which is a rare event. This case highlights specific injuries associated with the combination of hanging and falling, and underlines the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in terms of radiological examination and complete autopsy.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1547-769X",
doi="10.1007/s12024-019-00210-6",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12024-019-00210-6"
}