#Hard signs neck trauma manual
#Hard signs neck trauma full

The term “well-hung” referred to the erection a male experienced after a proper hanging was performed. For centuries hanging has been used in the penal systems as a form of punishment. Incomplete hanging injuries encompass all injuries in which the patient is supported partially by another object such as the ground or furniture.

#Hard signs neck trauma full

Complete hanging is defined by the full weight of the patient being suspended by the neck. Hanging injuries can be further divided into specific categories.

#Hard signs neck trauma manual

These include hanging injuries, manual strangulation, and ligature injuries. Strangulation injuries can be divided into several categories. In this summary, strangulation will refer to compression of anatomical neck structures leading to asphyxia and neuronal death. Strangulation is defined as the compression of blood or air-filled structures which impedes circulation or function. Criminal implications exist on the autopsy of patients who have succumbed to these injuries as well. Other personnel and approaches may be required as well depending on the individual injury pattern and psychosocial milieu. Once medical evaluation and treatment are underway, simultaneous mobilization of mental health experts, social workers, and law enforcement (depending on the clinician's jurisdiction) must occur. Identification, diagnosis, and treatment require a multi-disciplinary approach. Additionally, social media and other outside media influences have been reported as a social stressor leading to suicide attempts in adolescent populations. Pediatric populations are particularly vulnerable not only because of anatomic differences but because of downstream psychosocial issues that put them at high risk for morbidity and mortality should they survive the initial injury. Martial arts, combat sports, military training, and law enforcement action are implicated as well – certain holds and detainment maneuvers may call for external neck compression. Strangulation injuries can also occur as a result of both consensual and non-consensual sexual activity. History and toxicological analysis of these patients sometimes reveal various substances, either intentionally ingested or otherwise. Additionally, it is a common injury pattern seen in completed suicide and suicide attempts.

Domestic and other types of violence unfortunately represent a significant percentage of these injuries year-over-year. Patients who suffer from these injuries also represent a high-risk population in regards to a variety of biopsychosocial sequelae. The term “choking” is colloquially used to describe these injuries, however more accurately this term when used medically suggests an internal occlusion or partial occlusion of the proximal airway. External signs of injury, or lack thereof, may underrepresent the extent of deeper damage. Should a patient survive the initial injury, care must be taken to evaluate for occult injury. Death rapidly ensues without the removal of compressing forces. As a type of asphyxia, these injuries may result in decreased cerebral oxygen delivery either by compression of cervical blood vessels, or tracheal occlusion. Strangulation injuries are a heterogeneous set of traumatic pathology that occurs as a result of mechanical force applied externally to the neck and surrounding structures.