Retrospective study of suicidal hangings was made on 175 cases for a 5-year period. The sample was divided in 4 groups according to the position of the ligature knot. The authors analyzed all visible injuries of soft tissues & bones & cartilage of the neck, & in 150 cases, the authors established that there was at least one injury of these structures. These injuries are discussed. However, there was no clear correlation between frequency of neck injuries & type of hanging. (9 refs)