Survived crossbow injuries

The Hamburg University Institute of Legal Medicine presents 2 cases of injuries of crossbow arrows where the patients survived. Crossbows are used nowadays as sports and hunting weapons. They are freely obtainable, and since people without practice can shoot them, there are constant injuries and fatal cases. Crossbow arrows have a high penetration force and can even pierce bone. Depending on the tip of the arrow used, they bore or cut through tissue, here damage to the tissue being restricted to the direct surroundings. Due to the elasticity of the tissue, the arrow shaft in the wound track may have the effect of an incomplete tamponade so that major hemorrhaging is prevented. In this condition, the injured person may be conscious and capacitated. From the medical viewpoint, crossbow arrows should therefore be invariably left in the wound, secured against displacement during transport, and only removed in the hospital.     

Fatal suicidal crossbow injury--the ability to act

We report a case of a 58-year-old man who committed suicide using a modern crossbow. The victim shot himself in the chest with a conical field-tip arrow from close proximity. We first presumed that this was a case of homicide committed with a firearm. We were, however, subsequently proved wrong. The reasons for the primary statement were as follows: the external morphology of the entrance wound being typical of a firearm discharged from long distance; the perforation found on the victim's clothing; the absence of the firearm at the place of death; the absence of the arrow in the wound. All of these reasons forced us initially to conclude that the case was one of homicide. In the reported case, the man, after having been shot with an arrow, was further able to act, even though the abdominal aorta and liver were seriously injured. While the arrow was in the wound, the injuries may not have led to massive bleeding because of incomplete tamponade of the defects by the arrow shaft. Pulling the arrow out of the victim's wound track initiated massive bleeding. Despite all these injuries, the man was capable of pulling the bow string again and reloading the crossbow with the arrow used in the first attempt. This case demonstrates that forensic investigations into crossbow injuries can be very difficult, especially when the bolt has been removed from the body.     

Fatal crossbow injury in an adolescent

The authors present the case of a 14-year-old boy who died while handling a crossbow, which was a gift from a friend's mother. The bolt passed through the right nostril, penetrated the sinus sphenoidalis, the brain stem, the left occipital lobe and the occipital calvaria. Immediately after the accident, the victim was taken to a maximum care hospital. In spite of neurosurgical treatment and intensive care the victim died 4 days later. The case presented demonstrates that crossbows are not suitable as toys for underage persons, as they are deadly weapons which can cause serious penetrating injuries. In Germany, no license is required to buy and/or possess crossbows. In the authors' opinion, legal restrictions on the sale of crossbows and a special training of the users would be reasonable measures to reduce such accidents.     

Crossbow suicide: mechanisms of injury and neuropathologic findings

Crossbow injuries are rarely reported events in modern times. Two cases of death due to self-inflicted crossbow injuries to the head are reported in 2 men aged 18 and 27 years, respectively. Despite relatively low velocity and concussive force, the sharpness and propulsion force of crossbow bolts may be sufficient to enable penetration of the skull at short range. Due to the relatively low concussive force of the crossbow bolt, however, death may not be instantaneous but may occur from intraparenchymal cerebral damage sometime thereafter. Detailed neuropathologic evaluation of such cases may therefore demonstrate "red cell" hypoxic injury, as well as axonal injury, not limited to the region of the missile tract, but widely distributed, even to the point of extensive brain stem involvement. These changes may result from primary mechanical deformation at the time of injury, from secondary hypoxic damage, or from a combination of both factors. Immunohistochemical staining of brains for amyloid precursor protein to delineate more clearly the pattern of axonal damage may assist in determining the extent of injury in such cases.     

Forensic medical assessment of injuries to the human body and clothes caused by a crossbow arrow

Analysis of the data published in the special literature revealed the lack of information for the objective comprehensive forensic medical evaluation of injuries to the human body and clothes caused by the arrows from different models of crossbows. Morphological characteristics of injuries were shown to strongly depend on the design features of the arrows. This fact can be used to differentiate between injuries inflicted by crossbow arrows and other types of missile weapons.     

Crossbow injuries

The crossbow is an uncommon source of fatal injury. In Los Angeles County, two crossbow homicides have occurred in the past 20 years. Following the second case, a crossbow was test-fired into a fresh pork thigh, resulting in distinctive wounds. Experimental studies also showed that the vanes of the bolt (arrow) may be a source of trace material found in the wound.     

156例道路交通事故活体损伤分析

１５６例道路交通事故活体损伤分析陈新山（武汉同济医科大学法医病理学教研室；武汉４３００３０）ＡＮＡＬＹＳＩＳＯＦ１５６ＣＡＳＥＳＯＦＮＯＮ－ＦＡＴＡＬＩＮＪＵＲＹＩＮＲＯＡＤＴＲＡＦＦＩＣＡＣＣＩＤＥＮＴ￥ＣｈｅｎＸｉｎｓｈａｎ（Ｄｅｐａｒｔｍｅｎｔ...     

The hydrodynamic effect of gunshots in cranial explosive shots

Case report on five fatal gunshot injuries in which discharge of the cranial contents had occurred owing to a skull blast. Despite an appreciable explosive action with destruction of the bony cranium, the brains were not completely destroyed. In analogy to the "Kr?nlein shot", comparative reflections were made concerning wound ballistics. The case reports show that injury patterns resembling "Kr?nlein shot" may arise in cranial blast shots in rare cases despite destroyed projectile parts and even in a mouth shot.     

Homicide by unusual‐edged weapons: Forensic considerations of two cases

Homicide by stab wound is common worldwide. However, the use of unusual edged weapons is rarely reported in the forensic literature. Here, we report two cases of homicide involving a Japanese sword, or katana, and a sickle. Both of these weapons can create either stab or incised wounds with some particularities. In our cases, characteristics of the external wounds, internal injuries, and the depth of penetration raised the possibility of an unusual weapon. Meticulous forensic examination of these injuries (morphological characteristics, depth of penetration, trajectories, and cut marks in the bone) may allow the forensic expert to determine the type of weapon used.     

Comparison of gunshot wounds and field-tipped arrow wounds using morphological criteria and chemical spot tests

Arrow wounds represent an unusual class of wounds rarely seen by most death investigators. Although the edged, broadhead-tipped arrow produces a wound usually characteristic of archery/crossbow weapons, the plain, field-tipped arrow wound can be confused with gunshot injuries in those cases in which powder residue or firearm projectiles or fragments or both are not recovered. We present a case of a deer carcass with a wound of uncertain firearm or archery origin which initiated a comparison of firearm wounds and archery wounds on fresh road-killed deer. We found the following features to be valuable in the differentiation of gunshot wounds and field-tipped archery wounds: First, the majority of the gunshot wounds (but none of the arrow wounds) had identifiable, macroscopic, wipe-off material and chemically identifiable wipe-off residue by spot test. Second, the archery wound defects had very inconspicuous abrasion rings as compared to the often prominent abrasion rings of gunshot wounds. Third, the actual central defect in the archery wounds was more likely to be oblong or slit-like compared to the gunshot wound defects, which were more likely to be round.     

Bullet Caliber and Type Categorization from Gunshot Wounds in Sus Scrofa (Linnaeus) Long Bone

Studies on ballistic trauma to the ribs and thorax, cranium, and long bones demonstrate the potential of obtaining a bullet caliber from an entrance wound. In order to validate prior research on caliber estimation in bone tissue and assess the viability of bullet type determination based on the macroscopic evidence at the entrance wound, thirty fleshed pork (Sus scrofa) shoulders (humeri) were shot with either lead or copper jacketed bullets in one of three calibers; 0.22, 9 mm, or 0.38. Overall, our findings are consistent with previous research indicating that calibers can be grouped into “small” and “large” categories. Bullet type, lead or copper jacket, can be ascertained based on cortical flaking and the analysis of materials deposited around the entry wound. The addition of this evidence holds value in cases where no firearm or ballistic evidence is recovered from a crime scene.     

Multiple gunshot wounds of the head: an anthropological view

A decomposed body was judged at the scene to have two gunshot wounds of the thorax and three of the head. Confirmed at autopsy, the condition of the remains precluded conclusions about the precise nature of the defects. Preparation and reconstruction of the skull disclosed seven large cranial defects and a series of fractures. This preparation allowed the application of well-known principles of gunshot wound analysis. Although the analysis of specific gunshot wound defects is well covered in the literature, there are few examples of the application of gunshot wound principles to complex wound cases. Three entrances and three exits were identified. A seventh defect resulted from bullet passage. Finally, the wounds were sequenced.     

A Fatal Leopard Attack

Abstract: A rare case of a big cat fatal attack is presented. A male leopard that had escaped from its unlocked cage attacked a 26‐year‐old male zoo worker. The man sustained penetrating injuries to the neck with consequent external bleeding. The man died while being transported to the hospital as a result of the injuries sustained. The wounds discovered on the victim’s body corresponded with the known methods of leopard attacks and with findings on the carcasses of animals killed by leopards in the wild. The conclusion of the medicolegal investigation was that the underlying cause of death was a bite wound to the neck which lacerated the left internal jugular vein, the two main branches of the left external carotid artery, and the cervical spine. The cause of death was massive external bleeding. Special attention is paid to the general pattern of injuries sustained from big cat attacks.     

船舶螺旋桨损伤特点及成伤机制

目的总结船舶螺旋桨损伤的主要特点,探讨螺旋桨损伤的特点及形成机制,探索螺旋桨损伤与碎尸的鉴别方法。方法收集浙江省湖州地区1994─2005年尸检的100余例船舶螺旋桨损伤案例,对螺旋桨造成的损伤（擦划伤、表皮剥脱、创、骨折和全部离断创）的特点,以及衣着特征,进行回顾性分析。并与常见碎尸案中使用的工具造成的断面特征进行比较。结果船舶螺旋桨损伤是高速旋转螺旋桨的巨大劈力和机械切削所造成的损伤;碎尸是人为使用锐器切割或砍击尸体。两者由于形成机理、作用力及反作用力大小不同,导致损伤断面呈现不同的特征。结论船舶螺旋桨损伤具有独特的特征,可与碎尸损伤进行鉴别。     

Once again: risk of injury caused by blank pistols

The nature and extent of the use of blank pistols in Hamburg (according to the Hamburg crime statistics about 300 to 400 such cases per year; 34 cases involving head and neck wounds from 1989 to 1999 were investigated at our institute; among these 8 suicides, no homicide) as well as patterns of injuries caused by close distance blank pistol shots were analysed. 7 of these cases are described in detail. The results of our studies corroborate the warning statements made by many criminological and medico-legal experts regarding the danger inherent in these allegedly harmless weapons. Blank cartridge pistols can, when shot from a close distance, cause most severe injuries involving penetration into body cavities and bodily organs (especially in the head and neck), and even perforation of the skull. Therefore, we call for a much stricter control of weapons of this kind.     

Analysis on the Injury Mechanism and Characteristics of Ox HornCSCD

Objective: To study the morphological characteristics of the injury caused by ox horn on human body and its injury mechanism, and to discuss the rules and characteristics of injury by ox horn and provide forensic evidences for identification of such cases. Methods: The comparative analysis of position and morphological characteristics were performed by summarizing the data of 100 victims gored by ox accepted by Heilongjiang agricultural areas public security bureau during 2004-2014. Results: The specific injuries only could be found at the contact positions such as thorax and abdomen, lower back and limbs of the victims gored by ox horn. Most of the skin wounds had the characteristics of sharp injuries, the bar-type injury by club which called "rail way bruise" was an obvious characteristic appeared on the soft tissue. Conclusion: Ox horn can cause non-specific injuries on thorax and abdomen, lower back and limbs of human body, which are similar with the characteristics of sharp injury and injury by club. Careful analyzation and identification should be performed on such injury in daily work. © 2017 by the Editorial Department of Journal of Forensic Medicine.     

Postmortem bite injuries cause by a domestic cat]

A 70-year-old farmer was found dead in front of a barn. The emergency doctor did not note any significant findings at the external examination of the body. When the corpse was picked up by the undertaker, he noticed facial injuries. Several domestic cats were strolling around the barn at this time. External examination by a forensic pathologist revealed both sharp and crenated wound margins around the removed ear with punctured stabs adjacent to the mutilation. Further small perforating but not mutilating skin lesions were found also on other parts of the face. Given the typical morphology of the skin lesions and the observation of cats at the death scene, it is concluded that the injuries were inflicted by at least one domestic cat. In the forensic literature, reports on depredation of human corpses by cats are rare. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of outdoor cat depredation in the early postmortem interval. The case shows that domestic cats feed on human corpse even if other food is available.     

TV tip-over morbidity and mortality in children

Twenty-eight non-fatal cases of TV related injuries were noted in San Diego in the 2 years prior to September 2008. We reviewed the scene, witness reports, past history, and autopsy findings from three fatal cases and distinguished them from abusive head trauma. The recent literature was also reviewed. Our fatal cases resulted from TVs falling on small children and causing severe head injury. The literature review showed increasing injuries and deaths relating to TV tip-over, TV stands and dressers. Most of the fatalities were head injuries in small children. The reporting methods may not be complete or accurate. Some authors in the literature review suggested preventive measures so as to decrease these injuries. Forensic scientists should become familiar with these injuries and measures so that they may communicate effectively with their communities.     

Fall from height--surprising autopsy diagnosis in primarily unclear initial situations

External post-mortem examination and first police assessments are often not consistent with subsequent autopsy results. This is all the more surprising the more serious the injuries found at autopsy are. Such discrepancies result especially from an absence of gross external injuries, as demonstrated by four examples. A 42-year-old, externally uninjured male was found at night time in a helpless condition in the street and died in spite of resuscitation. Autopsy showed severe polytrauma with traumatic brain injury and lesions of the thoracic and abdominal organs. A jump from the third floor was identified as the cause. At dawn, a twenty-year-old male was found dead on the grounds of the adjacent house. Because of the blood-covered head the police assumed a traumatic head injury by strike impact. The external examination revealed only abrasions on the forehead and to a minor extent on the back. At autopsy a midfacial fracture, a trauma of the thorax and abdomen and fractures of the spine and pelvis were detected. Afterwards investigations showed that the man, intoxicated by alcohol, had fallen from the flat roof of a multistoried house. A 77-year-old man was found unconscious on his terrace at day time; a cerebral seizure was assumed. He was transferred to emergency care where he died. The corpse was externally inconspicuous. Autopsy revealed serious traumatic injuries of the brain, thorax, abdomen and pelvis, which could be explained by a fall from the balcony. A 47-year-old homeless person without any external injuries was found dead in a barn. An alcohol intoxication was assumed. At autopsy severe injuries of the brain and cervical spine were found which were the result of a fall from a height of 5 m. Conclusion: On the basis of an external post-mortem examination alone gross blunt force trauma cannot be reliably excluded.