Cadaveric spasm occurs most commonly in what type of death?

Cadaveric spasm, also known as postmortem rigidity, is most commonly associated with traumatic death. This phenomenon occurs when the muscles of a deceased individual become rigid immediately at the time of death, particularly in cases involving sudden and violent circumstances, such as accidents or assaults. The state of shock and the body's intense response to traumatic events can trigger this unique form of muscle contraction, leading to the spasm.

In contrast, in natural deaths or prolonged deaths, the processes leading up to death are typically more gradual, and the body's muscle response does not exhibit the same immediate rigor as seen in trauma cases. Sudden deaths may also result in cadaveric spasm, but the association is particularly strong with traumatic deaths due to the overwhelming stress placed on the body just prior to death.