Suicidal cut throat with handsaw

Abstract

Suicidal cut throat injuries are uncommon; when they do occur they are usually caused by a knife or a razor. A hand saw as a means of suicide is most unusual and the resulting irregular and serrated wound margins, depth of injury. Associated anatomical damage must be analysed to distinguish a suicide from a homicide or accident. The psychological factors contributing to such an extreme choice of weapon should also be explored. We report a case of suicide by throat cutting using a hand saw along with a review of the forensic, and psychological extent of other such incidents.

Keywords: Suicide; cut throat; handsaw; psychological issues.