A condemned prisoner is executed by judicial hanging with a long drop. Death in this setting results from a specific injury produced by the drop. Which anatomical structure is classically involved?

• A Rupture of the vertebral arteries in the transverse foramina
• B Bilateral fracture of the greater cornua of the hyoid bone
• C Crush injury of the medulla at the foramen magnum
• D Fracture-dislocation at the C2-C3 level with transection of the cervical spinal cord ✓

Explanation

In judicial hanging with a long drop, the sudden deceleration produces fracture-dislocation of the cervical spine, classically at the C2-C3 level, often involving the odontoid process of the axis, with transection or crush of the upper cervical cord. This causes instantaneous unconsciousness and death, unlike ordinary suicidal hanging where death follows cerebral anoxia from vascular occlusion. Hyoid fractures occur in ligature strangulation, not in properly executed judicial hanging.

Reference: Modi's Medical Jurisprudence and Toxicology, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.