Back to Search
Start Over
Patterns in Forensic Decapitations: A Review of the Literature and Case Report.
- Source :
-
The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology [Am J Forensic Med Pathol] 2019 Sep; Vol. 40 (3), pp. 246-250. - Publication Year :
- 2019
-
Abstract
- Separation of the head from the body can occur for a variety of reasons and in various locations across the neck. This study presents a review of the literature to identify the patterns of decapitations in forensic cases in relation to manner of death, age, and anatomical location (n = 88). The most common manner of death was suicide, followed by homicide and then accident. Ages ranged from 32 weeks prenatal to 85 years. Decapitation is reported at higher rates for individuals between 19 and 65. The majority of decapitations occurred at the midneck (second to fifth cervical vertebrae), followed by the upper neck and then the lower neck. This pattern holds true for all manners of death; however, in homicides, the percentage occurring at the midneck decreases. The findings of this study indicate some patterns in terms of manner of death, age, and location of decapitation, which could aid the medicolegal community in interpreting neck trauma. A case study is also briefly presented to illustrate findings.
- Subjects :
- Accidents mortality
Age Distribution
Cervical Vertebrae injuries
Cervical Vertebrae pathology
Female
Forensic Pathology
Homicide statistics & numerical data
Humans
Pregnancy
Prenatal Injuries
Suicide statistics & numerical data
Vacuum Extraction, Obstetrical adverse effects
Decapitation mortality
Decapitation pathology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1533-404X
- Volume :
- 40
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 31205058
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1097/PAF.0000000000000490