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Simple Summary: Donkey slaughter in Ghana was assessed through observing human–animal interactions prior to slaughter, and different methods of slaughter (slaughter without pre-stunning and two different methods of blunt force trauma to the head) were evaluated. Animals were hit multiple times by personnel during handling and movement. At slaughter, animals killed through neck cutting without pre-stunning showed signs of consciousness up to a mean time of 96.5 s. Animals experiencing blunt force trauma to the head took up to 166.9 s to lose consciousness when using a wooden pole. This method was five times more likely to be ineffective compared to blunt force trauma with a metal hammer. This study shows that donkeys in Ghana currently experience welfare compromise during all stages of the slaughter process; in particular, through aversive handling practises and ineffective slaughter methods, which delay the time to loss of consciousness and potentially increase suffering. Donkey slaughter in West Africa has received limited scientific attention, despite increasing over recent years. This study aimed to explore factors affecting donkey welfare, both ante-mortem and at slaughter, in the Upper East region of Ghana. A total of 134 donkeys at five different slaughter points were assessed using animal-based indicators. Slaughter involved either blunt force trauma (BFT) using a wooden pole (1 location) or a metal hammer (2 locations); or non-stun ventral neck incision (VNI) (2 locations). Time to loss of consciousness (or return) was assessed, with behavioural and brainstem signs of sensibility/consciousness. Negative human–animal interactions occurred ante-mortem, with animals struck multiple times and handled using aversive methods. Donkeys hit on the head with the wooden pole were five times more likely to be ineffectively concussed (p < 0.001, OR: 5.4, CI: 1.9–15.4) compared to the hammer and took significantly longer to lose consciousness (p < 0.001). The mean time to loss of corneal reflex for those hit by wooden pole was 166.9 s (SD 21.1; range: 79–425 s), compared to just one animal displaying corneal reflex for 59 s after being hit by metal hammer. For those animals slaughtered through VNI, corneal reflex was observed for a mean time of 96.5 s (SD 4.3, range 26–164 s). The findings of this study highlight major concerns regarding the methods used for donkey slaughter in the Upper East region in Ghana, particularly regarding aversive ante-mortem handling and prolonged time to loss of consciousness during VNI and ineffective BFT in inducing unconsciousness by concussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic hemorrhage of the thyroid gland resulting from blunt injury to the neck is a very rare event. Particular neck positions can expose the thyroid to trauma, especially in motor vehicle collisions, falls, direct blows, or sport activities. Preexisting conditions such as goiters, adenomas, and cysts can increase the risk of bleeding, reducing the force required to rupture the gland and make the thyroid more prone to injury. The authors report the case of a 53-year-old man who was involved in a fire while working on maintenance of a liquid petroleum gas (LPG)–powered car. He subsequently presented to the emergency department with painful swelling of his right anterior neck with a palpable mass. CT scan showed a right thyroid hemorrhagic cyst. The worker reported that he had jumped into the car trunk to extinguish the fire and covered the gas tank nozzle with his own body to prevent dispersal of the accelerant. In this case, the medico-legal evaluation was useful to delineate between natural and traumatic causes of the injury. Medico-legal assessment is key in understanding the dynamics involved in work-related events to identify any legal responsibilities of the worker or the employer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forensic anthropologists play a key role in skeletal trauma analysis and commonly use macroscopic features to distinguish between trauma types. However, this approach can be challenging, particularly in cases of highly comminuted or incompletely recovered fractures. Histological analysis of microscopic fracture characteristics in fractured bones may thus help provide additional information on trauma type and bone fracture biomechanics in general. This study analysed the extent of microcrack damage to osteons in long bones with blunt force trauma (BFT) and gunshot trauma (GST), from both traumatic death cases and post-mortem experimental fractures. We identified four types of osteonal damage (OD). In traumatic death cases, OD affecting the inside of the osteon and compromising the Haversian canal (type 1) was found to be indicative of BFT. Moreover, OD affecting the cement line (type 3) and interstitial lamellae (type 4) was more common in the GST samples. OD affecting the inside of the osteon without compromising the Haversian canal (type 2) was not found to be indicative of either trauma type. In cases of experimental fractures, our study revealed that post-mortem fractures in dry bone samples featured the highest amount of OD, particularly of type 4. This study also found that the experimentally produced GST featured similar OD patterns to GST death cases. These findings support our hypothesis that there are distinct osteonal damage patterns in human long bones with BFT and GST, which are of relevant value for trauma analysis in forensic anthropology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timing bone fractures is one of the main tasks of a forensic anthropologist, but still an uncertain diagnostic. In the literature, there are many macroscopic methods to distinguish perimortem from postmortem fractures, based on the distinct structural and mechanical properties of fresh and dry bones. However, this differentiation is still challenging, in particular when the bones are fragmented or still exhibit fresh properties. Although histologic analysis is often used as a complementary diagnostic tool in forensic pathology, its application in the evaluation of bone fractures is uncommon. The aim of this study was to investigate whether fractures of fresh bones reveal a distinct microcracking pattern compared to fractures of dry bones, in order to optimise the fracture timing. To this purpose, we histologically analysed perimortem and postmortem fractures in human humeri. The fresh bones were retrieved from traumatic autopsy cases, and the dry bones from donors which were experimentally fractured. Our results showed that the highest density and length of microcracks (MCKs) were found in the interstitial area of dry fractured bones, which may be considered a marker of postmortem damage. In fresh fractured bones, we generally observed a lower density of MCKs, but a higher proportion of osteonal MCKs, which may be considered a marker of perimortem trauma. In summary, the results of our exploratory study suggest that changes in intrinsic bone factors (mineral/organic components) result in a different microcracking pattern that can be used in fracture timing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a retrospective review of patterns found in cases of homicides by sharp force over a 13-year period at the Department of Forensic Pathology of the Ostrava University Hospital, Czech Republic. The review summarizes all frequently discussed aspects of such cases including the number and localization of injuries, the presence of defensive wounds, the type of the offending weapon, the cause of death, the place of death, victims' and perpetrators' profiles, their relationship, or toxicological findings. Furthermore, special attention was paid to the evaluation of any accompanying blunt force trauma that may be indicative of an escalation of the assault. The set of data was statistically analyzed. Even though most of the results of this review are consistent with available published studies, noteworthy differences have emerged in some aspects such as the sex and age of the victims, the relationship between the number of injuries suffered and the victims' sex, or the severity of alcohol intoxication in victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The frequency and distribution of fractures are commonly utilized to assist in interpreting the manner of death. In cases of alleged suicide by hanging, however, the evidence base for the frequency and patterning of laryngohyoid and cervical vertebrae fractures resulting from such blunt force traumatic events is limited and so fractures cannot be reliably used to assist in interpreting the manner. Using meta‐analytic techniques, this study aimed to estimate frequency and distribution of fractures in the context of relevant intrinsic and extrinsic variables. A systematic review of the literature identified 20 studies with relevant data (8523 cases of suicide by hanging). Meta‐analyses identified the frequency and distribution of fractures present and how fracture frequency was affected by the subgroups of age, sex, completeness of suspension, ligature knot position and study design. Results indicated that fracture frequency was variable, there was no unique patterning, and high levels of heterogeneity were present in all variable sub‐groups. Age was the only subgroup to show differences. Findings suggest that neck fracture frequency is inconsistent and cannot be predicted by the chosen variables. Subsequently, neck fractures in isolation should not be given weight in medico‐legal interpretations of a hanging death as suicidal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: When recovered skeletal remains reveal fractures, one of the main challenges is to determine the timing of the trauma. In particular, fractures that are related to death are of high forensic relevance. The common macroscopic criteria used in forensic anthropology may make it possible to determine whether a fracture occurred in a fresh or in a dry bone. Whilst dry bone fractures clearly occurred after death, fresh bone fractures are not always vital fractures. This is one of the biggest issues for forensic anthropologists. Depending on the period of time and surrounding conditions after death, bones can retain their fresh properties due to the preservation of water and organic components. The aim of this study is to test whether the histological assessment of microcracking patterns assists in determining the vitality of a fresh fracture. As we hypothesized after a previous study, our results further support that vital fractures exhibit a higher ratio of osteonal/interstitial microcracks than non-vital fractures. Moreover, we found that axial bone compression may be used to simulate intra vitam conditions in fracture experiments. Our results show that the osteonal microcracking pattern can potentially be used as a marker of vital trauma, thereby improving the probative value of forensic anthropological investigations. In forensic anthropology, the differential diagnosis between peri- and postmortem bone fractures is mainly based on macroscopic criteria. In contrast, studies focusing on bone histology are very scarce. In a recent publication, we showed that (perimortem) fractures in fresh human bones exhibit a different osteonal microcracking pattern than (postmortem) damage in dry bones. In the current work, we explored whether this osteonal microcracking pattern is distinctive of the vitality of (perimortem) fresh bone fractures. To this end, we compared the number, length and structural distribution of microcracks in vital humeral fractures from forensic autopsy cases with experimentally reproduced, three point-bending fractures in fresh and dry human humeri. Half of the fresh experimental bones were fractured whilst applying axial compression, i.e., attempting to simulate intra vitam conditions more accurately. The results showed a similar osteonal microcracking pattern between vital fractures and experimental fractures of fresh humeri subjected to axial compression. Interestingly, this pattern was significantly different from the one observed in the experimental fractures of fresh humeri without axial compression and dry humeri. This supports our hypothesis that the osteonal microcracking pattern can potentially be used as a marker for vital perimortem trauma, providing a histomorphometric tool for fracture timing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distinction between falls and blows is a common and difficult task in forensic sciences. One of the most often used criteria to address this issue is the hat brim line (HBL) rule, which states that fall-related injuries do not lie above the HBL. Some studies, however, have found that the use of HBL rule is not so relevant. This study assesses the aetiologies, the number of fractures, and their location on the skull and the trunk in a sample of 400 individuals aged 20–49 years, which were CT scanned after traumas. This may facilitate the interpretation of such injuries in skeletonized or heavily decomposed bodies in which soft tissues are no longer available. Our aim is to improve the distinction rate between falls and blows by combining several criteria and assessing their predictability. Skeletal lesions were analysed using retrospective CT scans. Cases selected comprise 235 falls and 165 blows. We registered the presence and the number of fractures in 14 skeletal anatomical regions related to the two different aetiologies. We showed that the HBL rule should be used with caution, but there is nevertheless a possibility of discussing the aetiology of blunt fractures. Possibly, parameters like the anatomical location and the number of fractures by region can be used to distinguish falls and blows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In forensic anthropology, skeletal trauma analysis can assist pathologists in determining the circumstance, cause, and manner of death. Determining whether the trauma is related to falls or induced by homicidal blows is often asked in relevance to legal issues. The hat brim line rule (HBL) is one of the most commonly used methods. The rule says that fractures resulting from blows may be found above and within the HBL, not on the skull's base. Recent studies have found that the HBL rule must be used carefully, and postcranial skeletal trauma could be useful in this distinction. Evidence presented in court must follow Daubert's guidelines for validity and reliability (evidence validated; error rates known; standards available; findings should be peer-reviewed and accepted by the scientific community). In this study, we assessed skeletal fracture patterns resulting from both etiologies. We tested various models for the method; the best one was based on the binary coding of 12 anatomical regions or 28 bones with or without baseline (age and sex). The results show the possible identification of the etiology in 83% of the cases. This method could be helpful for forensic experts in the interpretation of bone fractures. In this study, we propose a classification method between falls and blows using random forests. In total, 400 anonymized patients presenting with fractures from falls or blows aged between 20 and 49 years old were used. There were 549 types of fractures for 57 bones and 12 anatomical regions observed. We first tested various models according to the sensibility of random forest parameters and their effects on model accuracies. The best model was based on the binary coding of 12 anatomical regions or 28 bones with or without baseline (age and sex). Our method achieved the highest accuracy rate of 83% in the distinction between falls and blows. Our findings pave the way for applications to help forensic experts and archaeologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blunt force traumas that are caused by hit-by cars, animal abuse and bite wounds on the thoracic region can end up with flail chest in dogs. Flail chest, is one of the serious injuries with presence of two or more continuous ribs fractured. As a result, a portion of the thoracic wall with fractured ribs moves paradoxically in inspiration and expiration. According to many previous case reports, mortality rate is high in this life-threatening situation. Patients present in emergency with thoracic pain and shortness of breath (SOB). 9 years old, female Shih-Tzu breed dog clinically presented with severe dyspnea, pain and paradoxical movement of the chest on the left side of the thorax. 24 hours after the patient’s stabilization, CT scans revealed loss of the intercostal muscle integrity and 5 ribs fractures on the left thoracic region. After the imagistic certain diagnosis, the dog was taken to reconstructive thoracic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate interpretation of a blunt force head injury relies on an understanding of the case circumstances (extrinsic variables) and anatomical details of the individual (intrinsic variables). Whilst it is often possible to account for many of these variables, the intrinsic variable of neurocranial thickness is difficult to account for as data for what constitutes 'normal' thickness is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of age, sex and ancestry on neurocranial thickness, and develop reference ranges for average neurocranial thickness in the context of those biological variables. Thickness (mm) was measured at 20 points across the frontal, left and right parietals, left and right temporals and occipital bones. Measurements were taken from post-mortem computed tomography scans of 604 individuals. Inferential statistics assessed how age, sex and ancestry affected thickness and descriptive statistics established thickness means. Mean thickness ranged from 2.11 mm (temporal squama) to 19.19 mm (petrous portion). Significant differences were noted in thickness of the frontal and temporal bones when age was considered, all bones when sex was considered and the, right parietal, left and right temporal and occipital bones when ancestry was considered. Furthermore, significant interactions in thickness were seen between age and sex in the frontal bone, ancestry and age in the temporal bone, ancestry and sex in the temporal bone, and age, sex and ancestry in the occipital bone. Given the assorted influence of the biological variables, reference measurement ranges for average thickness incorporated these variables. Such reference measurements allow forensic practitioners to identify when a neurocranial bone is of normal, or abnormal, thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the influence of three‐layered cranial architecture development upon blunt force trauma (BFT) cranial outcomes associated with pediatric non‐accidental injury (NAI). Macroscopic and microscopic metric and morphological comparisons of subadult crania ranging from perinatal to 17 years of age chronicle the ontogenetic development and spatial and temporal variability in the emergence of a mature cranial architecture. Cranial vault thickness increases with subadult age, accelerating in the first 2 years of life due to rapid brain growth during this period. Three‐layer differentiation of the cranial tables and diploë initiates by 3–6 months but is not consistently observed until 18 months to 2 years; diploë formation is not well developed until after age 4 and does not manifest a mature appearance until after age 8. These results allow topographic documentation of cortical and diploic development and temporal and spatial variability across the growing cranium. The lateral cranial vault is identified as expressing delayed development and reduced expression of the three‐layer architecture, a pattern that continues into adulthood. Comparison of fracture locations from known BFT pediatric cases with identified cranial fracture high‐risk impact regions shows a concordance and suggests the presence of a higher fracture risk associated with non‐accidental BFT in the lateral vault region in subadults below the age of 2. The absence or lesser development of a three‐layered architecture in subadults leaves their cranial bones, particularly in the lateral vault, thin and vulnerable to the effects of BFT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In forensic pathology, deaths due to mechanical injuries (blunt, sharp, and gunshot) require an autopsy in order to determine the cause and manner of death through a detailed examination of viscera, soft tissues, and the skeletal system. Sometimes, such as in cases of severe putrefaction, only the skeleton is observable. In such cases, the absence of bony defects does not mean that a trauma‐related death should not be considered: yet, how often will a lethal mechanical death produce a defect in the skeletal system? The present study involved a retrospective review of autopsy reports to investigate the frequencies of soft tissue and related skeletal injuries in cases of violent deaths. A total of 200 autopsy reports for cases of four mechanisms of injury including sharp force trauma (n = 50), gunshot (n = 50), blunt force trauma (n = 50), and mechanical asphyxia (n = 50) were examined. Manner of death, localization of bone fractures, and correspondence between external injuries and bone fractures were reported. Frequencies of bone fractures and degree of correspondence with soft tissue injuries for each trauma group were evaluated. The result showed that lethal blunt trauma always caused bone fractures; 94.0% of violent deaths by gunshot involved bones; 48.0% of sharp force soft tissue injuries involved the bone tissue; and hyoid bone fractures were observed in 20.0% of cases of mechanical asphyxia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wooden club (clava) is rarely associated with the image of Roman soldiers, perhaps because it was considered an unconventional weapon with ethnic attributes and/or specific combat roles. Nonetheless, it is attested in the archaeological record and some ancient texts. The panoply and the military career of the soldiers represented on the tombstones of Catavignus son of Ivomagus (1st century AD) and Marcus Aurelius Alexis (early 3rd century AD) offered us the possibility to reconsider the use of the club as an offensive weapon within the Imperial Roman army. The authors made a replica of the clava using historical tools and manufacturing techniques. A series of tests have then been performed to investigate the use of the club in combat. The possible traumas on human targets were also evaluated with a forensic anthropological approach. The results suggest the essential role of flexion and rotation of the kinetic chain «hip/shoulder/arm» in wielding the clava. This movement requires a much more mobile combat style that can prove very effective against heavily armoured targets due to the weapon's high-impact force and a more extended reach than more conventional Roman sidearms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Injuries from motor vehicle collisions are frequently encountered in routine forensic practice. While the most common lethal events involve blunt force trauma with injuries to the head and neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis and limbs, review of the literature and case files shows that a wide variety of other fatal situations can occur that may involve sharp force and penetrating trauma, incineration, drowning, asphyxia, organic diseases and combinations of these. The following overview details potential factors that may contribute to death following vehicle crashes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blunt force trauma is a common homicide method, inflicted in three different ways: bodily force, assault with blunt objects of various types and falls from height. The objective of this study is to provide thorough information on blunt force homicides with data on the victims, the offenders, the surrounding circumstances, the injury methods, the extent of injuries, and survival time, which will help inform the inexperienced as well as the seasoned forensic pathologist in their daily work with death investigation and as expert witnesses in court. We have analyzed autopsy reports and available case files of 311 blunt force homicides, making up 21.9% of all homicides in Denmark during 1992–2016. Most victims and offenders were male. Altercation in the setting of nightlife and intoxication was common in male victims, while most female victims were killed in a domestic setting. Bodily force was the most common primary homicide method, followed by assault with a blunt object and fall from height. The head was the region that most often had external injuries, with no noteworthy difference between cases with bodily force and blunt objects. Two out of three victims had one or more lacerations, most often located on the head and more often on the front. Brain injury was the primary cause of death in at least 72.0% victims. Compared to bodily force victims of blunt object assault were especially prone to skull and brain injuries, had a higher trauma score, and more died at the crime scene and had a shorter survival time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) are a severe threat to wildlife biodiversity worldwide and most vertebrate species are at risk. However, there is a considerable knowledge gap on the traumatic features and potential patterns of MVCs in wildlife. We investigated traumatic injuries (TIs) caused by MVCs (MVCs-TIs) in 430 neotropical wild mammals representing 44 species from Brazil. Injuries were classified topographically into four categories: abdomen/pelvis (AP), chest (TX), head/neck (HN) and extremities (EX). We also determined the prevalence of pathological changes in MVC fatalities. AP (n = 381; 89%) was the most affected body segment, followed by TX (n = 372; 87%), HN (n = 363; 84%) and EX (n = 288; 67%). The most prevalent gross pathological findings were single or multiple bone fractures (n = 397; 92%), visceral organ rupture (n = 371; 86%), haemothorax (n = 220; 51%) and pulmonary haemorrhage (n = 212; 49%). Microscopically, pulmonary oedema (n = 324; 82%) and haemorrhage (n = 272; 69%) were the most prevalent lesions. No distinct TI patterns were evident across the various taxonomic groups, although trends were found in some taxa, such as armadillos. These results may help clinicians performing emergency care on MVC wildlife patients and may be of value in pathological and forensic investigations where a MVC has been deemed a likely contributory factor to death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the differences between pre- and post-fire fractures, 30 human forearm bones were subjected to either blunt-force impact, burning, or both. Bones, covered in soft tissue and wrapped in clothing, were burned in a reconstructed house fire. The burning context and dynamics led to differential burning, that was equal amongst the three groups. To evaluate the damage to the bones, a data collection sheet was developed based on the current literature on fracture features. To analyze the relation between exposure temperature and fracture class and occurrence, color was measured to estimate the exposure temperature. Observable and measurable changes on bone, and fracture surfaces, were macro- and microscopically analyzed. Many features overlapped between the three groups, and thus are not usable for differentiation. Fractures caused by blunt force impact (post-mortem, pre-fire) showed a rough fracture surface with smoothness in curved/slanted regions near the margin after burning, while heat-induced bone fractures showed a smooth fracture surface. The margins and surface of bone fractures that originated after the fire (indirect heat-induced) were evenly discolored, whereas heat-induced bone fractures showed uneven discoloration of the fracture margin and surface. Although there were generally more heat-induced fractures in the 450–700 °C range, no other distinctive trend was observed between exposure temperature and class of fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A deeper understanding of the mechanical characteristics of adipose tissue under large deformation is important for the analysis of blunt force trauma, as adipose tissue alters the stresses and strains that are transferred to subjacent tissues. Hence, results from drop tower tests of subcutaneous adipose tissue are presented (i) to characterise adipose tissue behaviour up to irreversible deformation, (ii) to relate this to the microstructural configuration, (iii) to quantify this deformation and (iv) to provide an analytical basis for computational modelling of adipose tissue under blunt impact. The drop tower experiments are performed exemplarily on porcine subcutaneous adipose tissue specimens for three different impact velocities and two impactor geometries. An approach based on photogrammetry is used to derive 3D representations of the deformation patterns directly after the impact. Median values for maximum impactor acceleration for tests with a flat cylindrical impactor geometry at impact velocities of 886 mm/s, 1253 mm/s and 2426 mm/s amount to 61.1 g, 121.6 g and 264.2 g, respectively, whereas thickness reduction of the specimens after impact amount to 16.7%, 30.5% and 39.3%, respectively. The according values for tests with a spherically shaped impactor at an impact velocity of 1253 mm/s are 184.2 g and 78.7%. Based on these results, it is hypothesised that, in the initial phase of a blunt impact, adipose tissue behaviour is mainly governed by the behaviour of the lipid inside the adipocytes, whereas for further loading, contribution of the extracellular collagen fibre network becomes more dominant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deaths resulting from blunt force injury are some of the most common cases encountered by a practising forensic pathologist. At the same time, deaths due to drug abuse, especially synthetic opioids, are also a common phenomenon all over the world. In this paper, an interesting case is reported wherein a dead body brought as a case of drug overdose had tell-tale signs of blunt trauma on the body. The injuries were present on the nonaccessible parts of the deceased's body pointing towards homicide. This case has been reported considering the interesting nature of the case as well as to emphasize the importance of meticulous postmortem examination so that the opinion may not be influenced by the history given by the investigating agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study demonstrates how animal abuse investigations can benefit from collaboration between forensic anthropologists and veterinary pathologists, especially in investigations involving trauma assessment of skeletal remains. In 2009, four deceased dogs were excavated from a residential property in conjunction with a case of suspected animal abuse. The decomposed remains were skeletonized to permit assessment of biological profiles, individualization, and trauma analysis. Each dog was identified based on their sex, age‐at‐death, fur coloration patterns, and through investigative information. The analysis conducted by forensic anthropologists in collaboration with a veterinary pathologist revealed evidence of perimortem blunt force trauma on all four skeletons. The distribution and severity of the injuries, including fractures concentrated mainly on the axial skeleton (i.e., skull, thorax, and vertebral column) and pelvis, are consistent with documented cases of non‐accidental injury (NAI) reported in the literature. Healed rib fractures were also noted on one of the dogs, and likely occurred a few weeks prior to death, further supporting a diagnosis of NAI. The skeletal trauma findings were inconsistent with the dog owner's account of how each dog had died and were instrumental in resolving the investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically, bending impact to long bones has been thought to result in butterfly fragments with the apex opposite the side of impact. This theory is restrictive and may lead to erroneous reconstructions regarding impact events. The current study investigated the formation of butterfly fractures in dynamic three-point bending events and assessed the applicability and accuracy of methods for the inference of impact direction. Sixty ovine femora were subjected to drop tests of varying energy to either the anterior or posterior aspect. Butterfly type fractures were present in 73% of fractured specimens. The analysis demonstrated that the use of fracture surface morphology was superior to other methods, correctly reconstructing impact direction in all cases with complete butterfly fractures. Furthermore, this method could be applied to all cases displaying a degree of fracture with a 98.3% success rate. This study demonstrates the applicability of fractography to the inference of impact direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines patterns of skeletal trauma in propeller‐driven aircraft crashes and blast‐related ground loss incidents from WWII. Specifically, descriptions and criteria used to characterize aircraft deceleration‐ versus blast‐related skeletal injuries are examined from 35 recently identified forensic anthropology cases to determine possible diagnostic traits and characterize skeletal trauma associated with these events. Among these cases, blast trauma is more localized within the skeleton and is associated with one or few primary directions of force. It is recommended that analysts differentiate between secondary and nonspecific blast trauma categories. Conversely, aircraft crash deceleration trauma is more widespread throughout the skeleton, with torsional fractures and injuries occurring from multiple or indeterminate directions. These traits reflect factors such as more complex loading environments than is seen in blast events. Two case studies are presented in detail to further illustrate differences in aircraft crash and blast‐related incidents. Both studies emphasize consideration of the body as a whole unit to facilitate interpretations. While the cases presented herein result from historic war‐related casualties that characterize the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency's (DPAA) casework, these skeletal cases provide guidelines more appropriate than clinically derived criteria developed through assessments of soft tissue injuries. These guidelines can be used by anthropologists and pathologists working with skeletal remain from mass disasters and other complex contexts, as well as provide avenues for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines patterns of skeletal trauma in propeller‐driven aircraft crashes and blast‐related ground loss incidents from WWII. Specifically, descriptions and criteria used to characterize aircraft deceleration‐ versus blast‐related skeletal injuries are examined from 35 recently identified forensic anthropology cases to determine possible diagnostic traits and characterize skeletal trauma associated with these events. Among these cases, blast trauma is more localized within the skeleton and is associated with one or few primary directions of force. It is recommended that analysts differentiate between secondary and nonspecific blast trauma categories. Conversely, aircraft crash deceleration trauma is more widespread throughout the skeleton, with torsional fractures and injuries occurring from multiple or indeterminate directions. These traits reflect factors such as more complex loading environments than is seen in blast events. Two case studies are presented in detail to further illustrate differences in aircraft crash and blast‐related incidents. Both studies emphasize consideration of the body as a whole unit to facilitate interpretations. While the cases presented herein result from historic war‐related casualties that characterize the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency's (DPAA) casework, these skeletal cases provide guidelines more appropriate than clinically derived criteria developed through assessments of soft tissue injuries. These guidelines can be used by anthropologists and pathologists working with skeletal remain from mass disasters and other complex contexts, as well as provide avenues for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hacking trauma is prevalent in forensic cases involving genocide and dismemberment, but research into the identification of this type of trauma is lacking. The present study examines characteristics of hacking and blunt force skeletal trauma in order to determine if there is a point at which blunt force trauma becomes distinguishable from hacking trauma. Ten implements with a range of blade angles (i.e., the striking surface of the implement) were used in conjunction with a controlled‐force hacking device to impact 100 limb bones of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Observations of the trauma included the occurrence and degree of fragmentation, the entrance widths of the impacts, and composite scores of six hacking characteristics, especially the distinctive V‐shaped kerf. ANOVA tests and regression analyses were used to assess the relationships between these characteristics and the blade angles. A significant relationship (p‐value = 0.011) was found between the composite hacking scores and the blade angles, indicating that blunt force and hacking trauma can be distinguished. The entrance widths of the impacts exhibited a significant relationship with the blade angles (p‐value = 0.037). There was also a significant relationship between the visibility of a V‐shaped kerf in the bones (p‐value = 0.003), with visibility decreasing around the 60° blade angle. These data should assist in establishing guidelines to differentiate hacking and blunt force skeletal trauma in cases where the implement is on a spectrum between sharp and blunt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prevailing over in rotationally unstable pelvic fractures, acetabular fractures or hip dislocations, superior gluteal artery pseudo aneurysm imperceptibly could be found after blunt force trauma of the pelvic region. We present a case of superior gluteal artery pseudo aneurysm after blunt force trauma that became gradually symptomatic in two months following the prime malevolence. Non-resolving gluteal hematoma presented two months after the incident, disregarding standard treatment methods led the diagnosis to plausible entity of pseudo aneurysm. Standard protocol was followed. CT angiography was indicated and it confirmed the suspected diagnosis. Upon indication a treatment plan was established with correspondent angioembolization of the pathologic substrate. Pseudo aneurism of the superior gluteal artery should be considered as differential diagnosis for unexplained hematomas in the posterior pelvic region following a trauma regardless of its nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blunt force trauma is the most common injury found during autopsies. Among the cases involving blunt force injuries, fractures to the skull are the most frequent, and these are often fatal to the victim. Understanding the circumstances surrounding the creation of such injuries is essential for investigating trauma-related deaths. This paper explores the characteristics of cranial trauma produced following one to three consecutive blows with a series of blunt objects. Fourteen Synbone® spheres filled with porcine gelatine and coated with rubber skin were used to simulate the human skull in a series of experiments. Trials recreated two scenarios, individuals standing and individuals with their head resting against a hard surface. Six blunt objects were used to represent possible weapons. Each sphere was struck twice to generate fracture patterns, which were then analysed. In most simulations of a blow to the head resting against a hard surface, the first fracture follows a linear pattern regardless of the direction of force and/or the surface of the weapon; while the second blow results in a depressed fracture. In the case of a free moving head, weapons with large contact surfaces result in depressed fractures, while weapons with small contact surfaces may not cause a fracture at all. Our results are consistent with Moritz who stated that, if the head is free to move, the fractures will be linear or incompletely depressed. Inversely, if the head rests against a solid surface, a blow will result in a depressed fracture. More experiments are needed to verify these preliminary observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between the point of blunt impact and the location of cranial fracture initiation continues to be poorly understood. The current study used high-speed video to capture cranial fracture initiation and propagation in impact experiments on twelve unembalmed, intact human cadaver heads. Video footage provided direct evidence that blunt cranial impacts can produce linear fractures initiating peripheral to the impact site. Four tests produced only remote peripheral linear fractures with no damage at the known point of impact, demonstrating that the pattern of linear fractures does not necessarily indicate impact site. The range of variation observed in these experiments suggests that cranial fracture formation is more complex than it is typically described in the current literature. Differences in biomechanical and fracture results obtained with three different shaped implements provided evidence that impact surface is one important factor influencing the outcomes of blunt cranial impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trepanation has been practised in the Andes since 400–200 B.C.E., with numerous examples documented across Peru and Northern Bolivia (Tello, ; Verano,). This practice appears to have been widespread across these areas; however, other parts of the Andes, such as Northwest Argentina, Chile, and Southern Bolivia, have not yet produced examples of cranial surgery, with the exception of one possible example from Northwest Argentina (Seldes & Botta,). We present evidence for trepanation from a ca. 650 cal. C.E. burial from a salvage excavation near Tarija, Bolivia. We found that this probable male, adult individual had two blunt force traumatic lesions on the cranium. In addition, there was a rounded perforation on the right posterior skull that showed external bevelling and rounded edges consistent with a healed trepanation. We suggest that this case implies that trepanation was more widely practised than previously understood. Additionally, the correlation between trepanation and blunt force trauma suggests that this surgery was likely performed as a medical procedure, rather than for strictly ritual purposes. Thus, this is an important contribution to the broadening literature on pre‐Hispanic trepanation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study the visibility of standardized inflicted bruises by using an alternate ('forensic') light source compared to a white light source.Methods: Bruises were inflicted on the flexor site of the forearm (halfway in the middle) in 76 adults, by suddenly allowing a cylindrical metal object (400g) with rounded edges to drop for 1m in a vertically positioned tube. At 0.25, 1, 2, 7 and 14days after this blunt force impact, the impact site on the forearm was photographed with a white light source and subsequently with an alternate light source at 415nm. Visibility of bruises on 170 randomized photographs was assessed on a calibrated monitor by 10 forensic medical specialists (physicians and pathologists) independently in two sessions: (1) with white light source photographs, and (2) after a mean of 11days with greyscale converted alternate light source photographs. Bruise visibility was expressed as a report mark between 1 (very bad) and 10 (excellent), or as 'no visible bruise'. To determine intra-rater agreement, 10 of 170 photographs were assessed twice (untold to the assessors). In total 3600 (180×10×2) photographs were assessed.Results: 39 of 73 (53%) participants who completed the study, developed a visible bruise (women more often than men, p<0.001). Inter-rater agreement between assessors was high (mean inter-class coefficient, ICC, for white light source 0.66 (SD 0.14) and for alternate light source ICC 0.73 (0.09)). Intra-rater agreement was excellent (mean ICC 0.88 (SD 0.09)). Mean report marks for bruise visibility, recorded independently by 10 assessors on 170 unique photographs per light source, were significantly higher with an alternate light source than with a white light source, at 1 and 2days after impact: 4.4 (SD 2.0) vs 3.8 (1.8) (p<0.01) and 4.9 (2.1) vs 4.5 (2.0) (p<0.05), respectively. However, these differences were small, as the mean difference (effect size) in report marks were 0.6 (0.5) and 0.4 (0.3), at 1 and 2days after impact, respectively. The other time points showed no statistical significant differences in report marks.Conclusions: Bruises after standardized blunt force impact were slightly better visible with an alternate light source than with a white light source after 1 and 2 days, but not after 0.25, 7 and 14 days. The value of using an alternate light source at 415nm to improve bruise visibility was limited in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trauma analysis is critical in many death investigations and is the primary reason forensic anthropologists testify. This study aims to improve our understanding of the frequency and location of rib fractures, so the anthropologist can be more informed when making interpretations of blunt force trauma to the rib cage. Data were collected from computed tomography images of 180 individuals who were over 18 years of age and were in a motor vehicle accident. Rib number, side of impact (left or right), specific location on the rib (anterior, posterior, lateral), and number of fractures were scored for each individual along with known demographic and crash data, such as age, sex, direction of impact, belted/unbelted, and speed at impact. Density plots, chi-square tests, logistic regression, and multiple correspondence analysis were conducted to explore relationships among the variables and visualize fracture patterns. Age was the only significant variable for both the chi-square and logistic regression results. Individuals of advanced age are 5.5 times more likely to exhibit fractures than those of middle age, which are 2.6 times more likely to exhibit fractures than individuals in the youngest age category. Females of middle and advanced age incurred the most fractures per age and sex group, but males presented with the highest frequency of fractures overall. Density plots showed most fractures occurred on the lateral portions of ribs 2 through 8, regardless of direction of impact. The findings of this study demonstrate that age and sex should be considered when interpreting blunt force trauma on ribs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The skeletal trauma resulting from fatal low (≤3 m) free falls is poorly researched and understood by forensic practitioners. The aim of this study was to identify the types of skeletal trauma resulting from low falls through investigating fracture patterns and morphologies. Skeletal trauma was analyzed using full‐body postmortem computed tomography scans of 145 individuals who died from a low free fall. Trauma was then contextualized to the variables that influence how a person falls using multiple logistic regression. Results showed fracture patterning primarily involved the axial skeleton and that there were a number of patterns significantly associated with the height fallen, pre‐existing health conditions, and age. Analysis of fracture morphologies showed 108 possible fracture types, six of which were significantly associated with the height fallen. Understanding the skeletal trauma characteristic of low free falls will further inform anthropological interpretations of trauma in cases where a fall may be considered the possible mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The skeletal blunt force trauma resulting from fatal falls involving stairs is complex. There are countless ways an individual may fall when stairs are involved, and thus a variety of ways the skeleton may fracture. Therefore anecdotally, it may be said that there is no specific skeletal trauma characteristic of this fall type. In order to scientifically investigate this anecdotal understanding, this study provides a detailed investigation of the skeletal fracture patterns and morphologies resulting from fatal falls involving stairs. Skeletal trauma was analyzed using the full-body postmortem computed tomography scans of 57 individuals who died from a fall involving stairs. Trauma was examined in the context of the variables that potentially influence how an individual falls (i.e. sex, age, body mass index, number of stairs involved, psychoactive drugs, pre-existing conditions, landing surface and manner of the fall) using logistic regression. Skeletal trauma primarily occurred in the axial skeleton. An analysis of fracture patterns showed the cranial base was less likely to fracture in younger individuals and the cervical vertebrae were more likely to fracture in falls that involved more than half a flight of stairs. A total of 56 fracture morphologies were identified. Of these, diastatic fractures were less likely to occur in older individuals. Findings indicate that there are skeletal fracture patterns and morphologies characteristic of a fatal fall involving stairs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blunt force is a frequently used type of violence especially because it can be performed with basically every object of our daily lives or with bare hands or feet. The injuries and medical consequences have been widely examined, whereas the forces and especially the energies acting on impact have rarely been analyzed. The aim of the present study is to provide the impact energy and its ranges of four longish everyday items with different characteristics for male and female offenders. Additionally, the moment of inertia (MOI) for all the objects was calculated and its influence on the energy determined. A combination wrench, aluminum pipe, golf club, and spade were chosen as representatives of the four categories short, medium length with the center of mass (COM) in the middle, medium length with the COM close to the hitting point, and long and heavy. A total of 880 strikes have been performed by 11 volunteers. The results show the mean energy values of wrench, pipe, golf club, and spade for men of 51.1, 74.4, 93.5, and 166.7 J. For women, the results are 33.0, 41.0, 56.5, and 76.8 J. Knowing the energy thresholds for certain fractures and injuries, these results help to assess whether a claimed hit may have caused the fracture or injury or not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Burning of human remains is one method used by perpetrators to conceal fatal trauma and expert opinions regarding the degree of skeletal evidence concealment are often disparate. This experiment aimed to reduce this incongruence in forensic anthropological interpretation of burned human remains and implicitly contribute to the development of research methodologies sufficiently robust to withstand forensic scrutiny in the courtroom. We have tested the influence of thermal alteration on pre-existing sharp and blunt trauma on twenty juvenile sheep radii in the laboratory using an automated impact testing system and an electric furnace. The testing conditions simulated a worst-case scenario where remains with pre-existing sharp or blunt trauma were exposed to burning with an intentional vehicular fire scenario in mind. All impact parameters as well as the burning conditions were based on those most commonly encountered in forensic cases and maintained constant throughout the experiment. The results have shown that signatures associated with sharp and blunt force trauma were not masked by heat exposure and highlights the potential for future standardization of fracture analysis in burned bone. Our results further emphasize the recommendation given by other experts on handling, processing and recording burned remains at the crime scene and mortuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is currently a lack of information regarding the prevalence of and characteristics associated with blunt force trauma related homicides in South Africa. Information relating to the patterns of blunt force trauma could assist in the development and implementation of interventions targeted at specific areas or individuals as well as direct future research towards areas in need of investigation. This study is a 5-year retrospective review of autopsy reports obtained from Salt River Mortuary (Cape Town, South Africa). The prevalence of blunt force trauma was considered for unnatural deaths with a focus on homicide. The patterns of homicidal blunt force trauma are also presented. A total of 15 519 autopsy cases was analysed. In 1198 (7.72%) of these cases, the cause of death was found to be blunt force trauma and 828 (5.32%) of these cases were classified as homicides. Approximately 11% of blunt force homicide cases occurred in combination with sharp and/or ballistic trauma. Men from poor socio-economic areas were shown to be most at risk of blunt force homicide in the City of Cape Town. Significance: • The prevalence of homicidal blunt force trauma in the Western Metropole of the City of Cape Town is comparable to other regions in South Africa. • The vast majority of victims sustained injury to the head, highlighting the need for further research in cranial blunt force trauma. • Interventions should target young men, particularly in low socio-economic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary artery occlusion following a blunt trauma is a rare complication. We report a case of a 56-year-old man who experienced an intermediate code trauma following a motor vehicle accident. The patient had a visible ‘seat-belt sign’ and complained of chest pain. Initial electrocardiogram showed mild ST segment elevation accompanied by elevation of cardiac enzymes. Echocardiogram and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were consistent with right ventricular systolic dysfunction. Coronary angiogram revealed 100% occlusion of proximal right ventricular marginal branch. The patient was managed medically. This case presents a rare case of right ventricular marginal occlusion following blunt chest trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to biomechanics of fracture production during blunt impact, tubular bones are subject to compressive (impact site) and tensile (opposite impact site) forces; this causes bones to break in tension before compression, producing Y-shaped fracture patterns with breakaway (butterfly) fragments. In current forensic models, the side of the bone exhibiting the breakaway fragment is designated the impact side, with initial breakage occurring opposite. Fracture production and patterning of blunt impacts to 255 sheep femora were analyzed. Contra the existing model, only 60% of complete butterfly fractures exhibited impact side breakaway fragments. Although fractures initiated on the tension, nonimpact side, butterfly fragments formed on either compression or tension sides. Using newly defined breakaway fragment shape criteria, impact side was estimated with 98% accuracy for both complete and partial butterfly fractures. Furthermore, the results suggest that the impact site is the located on one of the Y-fracture's arms, not the butterfly fragment's center, as previously modeled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyses depressed fractures (by blunt force trauma) and circular full-thickness injuries (drill injuries and gunshot wounds) in charred bones. Fifty bovine ribs (total 104 lesions) were divided into three groups. The first group consisted in 20 depressed hammer-produced fractures; in the second one, 60 round drill-holes were produced (30 circular, 30 semicircular); in the third group, 12 fleshed and 12 skeletonized ribs were hit by 9-mm bullets. Each specimen was carbonized in an electric oven up to 800°C. Morphological and metric analyses were performed before and after: morphological features were preserved, but depressed fractures showed an increase in their dimensions ( p-value < 0.05); the drilled holes shrunk ( p-value < 0.01); the charring cycle increased the number of fractures in samples with gunshot wounds differently in fleshed and defleshed ribs. This study showed the complex behavior of charred bone, for what concerns the interpretation of trauma and how caution should be applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This single-blinded, randomized validation study was conducted to evaluate whether fluorescence under alternate light sources ( ALS) is sufficient to diagnose subclinical bruising (bruising not visible under white light). Standardized trauma was induced on randomly selected ventral forearms. On days 1, 7, and 14 investigators independently examined case forearms under white light for perceived bruising and under ALS for fluorescence and compared body maps. 56 case and 62 control forearms ( n = 118) were examined. Sensitivity of ALS on days 1, 7, and 14 was 76.8%, 69.6%, and 60.7%, respectively, compared to 69.6%, 60.0%, and 32.1% for white light. The specificity of ALS on days 1, 7, and 14 was 51.6%, 59.7%, and 53.2%, respectively, compared to 71.0%, 81.4%, and 86.9% for white light. ALS has increased sensitivity yet low specificity compared to white light in accurately detecting bruises. Fluorescence under ALS is not sufficient to accurately or responsibly diagnose subclinical bruising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five well-preserved individuals from Dmanisi represent a paleodeme attributed to early Homo. Here we provide a case study of the D2280 adult cranium, which presents four oval-shaped lesions on the frontal, left parietal, and occipital bones. Several conditions are considered as possibly contributing to this pathology, including trauma, cysts, metastatic cancer, and infectious disease. One large but shallow depression on the left parietal bone has slightly elevated boundaries. Imaging reveals inner and outer tables that are reciprocally concave, so that the diploë is diminished or completely absent. This lesion is very likely a result of traumatic injury. Two additional depressions on the left side frontal and occipital bones may also be attributed to blunt force trauma. Such injuries stem from a variety of causes, but interpersonal violence may well be implicated. Based on the location and structure of a fourth lesion on the right-side frontal bone, we advance a possible diagnosis of treponemal disease. Lesions on the cranium and specifically on the frontal bone are common in treponemal disease. The condition develops as a periostitis, which eventually results in the destruction of the osteoperiosteal border of the cranial outer table and rarely involves the inner table. Additional perforations on the occipital bone are interpreted as perimortem damage resulting from predation by carnivores or scavenging by birds. If our reading of this cranial evidence can be confirmed, then D2280 documents one of the earliest instances of blunt force trauma in the Homo lineage. Dmanisi may also reveal the presence of treponemal disease in a population dated ca. 1.77 Ma ago. These findings bear on the social behavior of ancient humans and also the impact of infectious diseases on their survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-mortem examination is often relied upon in order to determine whether a suspicious death was natural, accidental, suicidal or homicidal. However, in many cases the mechanism by which a single injury has been inflicted cannot be determined with certainty based on pathological examination alone. Furthermore the current method of assessing applied force relating to injury is restricted to an arbitrary and subjective scale (mild, moderate, considerable, or severe). This study investigates the pathophysiological nature of head injuries caused by blunt force trauma, specifically in relation to the incidence and formation of a laceration. An experimental model was devised to assess the force required to cause damage to the scalp and underlying skull of porcine specimens following a single fronto-parietal impact. This was achieved using a drop tower equipped with adapted instrumentation for data acquisition. The applied force and implement used could be correlated with resultant injuries and as such aid pathological investigation in the differentiation between falls and blows. Experimentation revealed prevalent patterns of injury specific to the reconstructed mechanism involved. It was found that the minimum force for the occurrence of a laceration was 4,000 N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Blank cartridge actuated dummy launching devices are used by migratory bird hunters to train dogs to retrieve downed birds. The devices create a loud noise while simultaneously propelling a hard foam dummy for retrieval. A newly developed dummy launcher is based on a modified cal. 9mm P.A. blank handgun with an extension tube pinned and welded to the barrel imitation. Currently, there are no experimental investigations on the ballistic background and trauma potential of these uncommon shooting devices. Methods: An experimental test set-up consisting of a photoelectric infrared light barrier was used for measurement of the velocity of hard foam dummies propelled with an automatic dummy launcher. Ballistic parameters of the dummies and an aluminium sleeve as improvised projectile (kinetic energy (E), impulse (p), energy density (E′) and threshold velocity () to cause penetrating wounds as a function of cross-sectional density (S)) were calculated. Results: The average velocity () of the dummies was measured 25.71m/s exerting an average impulse (p) of 3.342Ns. The average kinetic energy (E) was calculated 43.04J with an average energy density (E′) of 0.069J/mm2. The average velocity () of the aluminium sleeves as improvised projectiles was measured 79.58m/s exerting an average impulse (p) of 2.228Ns. The average kinetic energy (E) of the aluminium sleeves was calculated as 88.70J with an average energy density (E′) of 0.282J/mm2. Conclusion: The energy delivered by these shooting devices is high enough to cause relevant injuries. The absence of skin penetration must not mislead the emergency physician or forensic expert into neglecting the potential damage from these devices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In cases of acute fatal child abuse, certain injuries, including cutaneous blunt force trauma, skull fractures, subdural hematomas, intra-abdominal hemorrhage, and retinal hemorrhages are common and well described in the pediatric and forensic literature. These gross findings at autopsy, when taken into consideration with scene investigation and interviews with caregivers, may indicate both a clear manner and cause of death. In such cases, the discovery of additional pathologic changes attributable to older abusive injuries helps support a conclusion of death due to inflicted trauma. We discuss four cases of fatal child abuse in which acute blunt force abdominal trauma was the cause of death. In each of these cases, careful examination with proper sectioning and microscopy of select abdominal tissues revealed that the acute tissue trauma was superimposed on a background of older, healing injury. This older trauma was characterized by classic histologic elements of tissue repair, including fibroblast proliferation, early scar formation, increased vascularity, and hemosiderin-laden macrophages. Iron and trichrome stains were used to confirm the presence of hemosiderin and fibrosis in all four cases, but the recognition of fibroblast proliferation and a reactive vascular pattern was best seen on routine hematoxylin and eosin stains. The gross and microscopic autopsy findings, along with available investigative information, established the diagnosis of chronic physical abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effects of taphonomic processes on blunt force trauma (BFT) through an experimental study involving pig heads. Of particular concern is the possibility that taphonomic changes can create pseudo-trauma and/or conceal evidence of actual trauma. BFT was inflicted on 10 pig skulls using a hammer. The skulls were subsequently exposed to the environment for 12 months. Seven taphonomic changes were evaluated: the freeze–thaw cycle; rodent gnawing; carnivore scavenging; presence/weight of soil; presence/weight of rain and snow; movement/displacement of bones; and discoloration due to sun bleaching and grass staining. Taphonomic effects varied between cancellous, compact, fresh, and degreased bone. Freezing and thawing, exposure to rain and snow, movement of the skulls, and soil erosion altered and, in some cases disguised, pre-existing trauma. Rodent and carnivore activity did not obliterate evidence of BFT. Recommendations for evaluating BFT on remains affected by taphonomic processes are presented. As each taphonomic process outlined by this study has the potential to disguise antemortem injury, the authors propose that one must carefully examine large, circular openings in the skull that may represent the remnant evidence of BFT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this paper we present a unique pattern of blunt force cranial trauma that was observed in 10 of a sample of 85 crania from a Cambodian skeletal collection comprised of Khmer Rouge victims. Initial examination of the trauma, which presents as substantial damage to the occipital with fractures extending to the cranial base, suggested the pattern was classifiable as a basilar or ring fracture. However, further investigation, including trauma analysis and historical research, revealed that this fracture type is distinctive from basilar and ring fractures. Historical data indicate that a particular execution method was the likely source of the trauma. Recognition of this trauma pattern is significant because it exemplifies the distinct fracture configuration resulting from an apparently categorical and methodical execution technique. Identification of this fracture type could potentially assist forensic investigators in the recognition of specific methods of murder or execution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the fracture patterning of blunt force and ballistics trauma to the cranial vault. Variables examined in Contingency tables and Pearson's Chi-Square; Calculation of Pearson's correlation coefficient in determining the degree of association between variables; Discussion on the effects of intercranial pressure on the pattern of skull fractures.

Simple Summary: Human remains are often burned in an effort to conceal the identity of the victim and/or obscure traumatic injuries related to the death event. Thermal exposure can produce artifacts resembling trauma and disguise preexisting trauma. However, there is a paucity of experimental studies with varied results addressing the differentiation of thermally induced artifacts from traumatic signatures. To address this gap in the literature, we conducted a small-scale study using domestic pigs as correlates to test the impact of thermal alteration on blunt force trauma to the cranium. Two tools (e.g., hammer and crowbar) were utilized to manually inflict injuries on the human analogs before controlled burning in an outdoor environment. The results of this experiment demonstrated that the most diagnostic variable to differentiate thermally induced alternations from blunt force fractures was fracture pattern. In forensic scenarios involving homicide, human remains are often exposed to fire as a means of disposal and/or obscuring identity. Burning human remains can result in the concealment of traumatic injury, the creation of artifacts resembling injury, or the destruction of preexisting trauma. Since fire exposure can greatly influence trauma preservation, methods to differentiate trauma signatures from burning artifacts are necessary to conduct forensic analyses. Specifically, in the field of forensic anthropology, criteria to distinguish trauma from fire signatures on bone is inconsistent and sparse. This study aims to supplement current forensic anthropological literature by identifying criteria found to be the most diagnostic of fire damage or blunt force trauma. Using the skulls of 11 adult pigs (Sus scrofa), blunt force trauma was manually produced using a crowbar and flat-faced hammer. Three specimens received no impacts and were utilized as controls. All skulls were relocated to an outdoor, open-air fire where they were burned until a calcined state was achieved across all samples. Results from this experiment found that blunt force trauma signatures remained after burning and were identifiable in all samples where reassociation of fragments was possible. This study concludes that distinct patterns attributed to thermal fractures and blunt force fractures are identifiable, allowing for diagnostic criteria to be narrowed down for future analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]