Expert: Stephen Bernhard - 8/23/2007

Question
QUESTION: When tries to kill themselves by slitting their wrists, is the normal procedure to cut the vein or the artery? Also, if they were fund before they died, would the tendons be damaged beyond repair? Does it depend on how deep the cut is? Thank you very, very much for your time.

ANSWER: Hi Elena,

Unfortunately, I am unable to answer your question due to both moral and ethical reasons.  I will not answer questions regarding "proper" suicide techniques.  

I am truly sorry, and would love to answer any other questions that you may have.  Additionally, if you are asking with the intent to cause harm to yourself, then I implore that you seek help and talk to someone first.

Thank you,
Stephen

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi,
Thank you very much for your concern, but I'm not looking to kill myself. I'm working on a book where the main character tried to kill himself in his teenage years -- it was only now that I thought of his tendons (he is a musician). The artery and the veins -- well, I guess it's not really relevant, as I doubt it would come up (and if it did, I could fudge round it), so, if you really don't believe that I'm not trying to kill myself, you don't have to answer that. But could you please let me know about the tendons? I mean, you don't even have to go into detail, just a "yes" or "no" answer on the repairing of his tendons would suffice. Would he be able to play the guitar and piano again? I'd be ever so grateful if you could answer. Thank you very much for your time.

Answer
Hi Elena,

Thank you for the clarification.  However, due to the fact that others can view the questions and answers, I still can not answer the method question.

I can say, however, that there is the possibility of damage to tendons and/or ligaments.  Though, being that the vessels are close to the skin, too much damage is unlikely.  The chances of him playing an instrument are probably good.

Keep in mind though, that this is actually not my expertise, and for a more accurate answer, a hand surgeon or even an orthopedic specialist would be best to ask.

Thanks,
Stephen