Diagnosis of Skull Fractures According to Postmortem Interval: An Experimental Approach in a Porcine Model

• NCJ Number: 243696
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: S 1 Dated: January 2013 Pages: S 156-S 162
• Author(s): Fabienne Jordana, Ph.D.; Jacques Colat-Parros, Ph.D.; Michel Benezech, M.D., Ph.D.
• Date Published: January 2013
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study characterized pig cranial fractures sustained under known impact conditions.

Abstract

Most studies on fracture morphology of fresh or dry bones, specifically skull bones, have a limited focus, and they are often based on observations rather than experimental tests. This study characterized pig cranial fractures sustained under known impact conditions. An impact machine (mobile carriage guided by columns) was used to perform a fracture on each skull. Impacts were performed at the same energy level on fresh and dry bones, with two types of impactor: a sharp striker (n = 50) and a blunt striker (n = 50). The authors found distinct features under different conditions, including osseous flakes on fresh bones, 90 degrees fracture angles on dry bones, and more fractures with greater fragmentation on dry bones. These features highlighted the effects of time on perimortem fracture characteristics and the importance of bone storage conditions in the study of fracture genesis. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.