Abstract:
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.
摘要:
在法医学中,跌倒和打击之间的区别是一项常见而艰巨的任务。解决此问题的最常用标准之一是帽沿线(HBL)规则,其中指出与跌倒相关的伤害不高于HBL。一些研究,然而,发现使用HBL规则并不那么相关。这项研究评估了病因,骨折的数量,以及他们在头骨和躯干上的位置,在400名20-49岁的人的样本中,创伤后的CT扫描。这可能有助于解释骨骼化或严重分解的身体中的此类损伤,其中软组织不再可用。我们的目标是通过结合几个标准并评估其可预测性来提高跌倒和打击之间的区别率。使用回顾性CT扫描分析骨骼病变。选定的案件包括235次跌倒和165次打击。我们记录了与两种不同病因相关的14个骨骼解剖区域中骨折的存在和数量。我们表明HBL规则应该谨慎使用,但是仍然有可能讨论钝性骨折的病因。可能,像解剖位置和按区域的骨折数量等参数可以用来区分跌倒和打击。