Data on the static and dynamic rigidity of the calvaria (author's transl)]

Our investigation, carried out on the calvaria of a cadaver, gave us numerical values for the scientific cognition of the static and dynamic flexion- elasticity of the bones of the calvaria. The investigations were carried out with a DYNSTATT type, pendulum-system, flexion-elasticity examining apparatus. On the basis of the measured values three value groups could be established and correspondingly, well-separable regions on the calvaria. While the dynamic static resistance of generally higher value decreases with the progress of the circle, the static resistance rises with approximately identical values. The collateral fractures - indirect fractures - observed beside the direct fractures of the calvaria develop on the parts of the bone around the directly damaged bone region which show relatively smaller static and dynamic resistance.     

Face and neck injuries due to resuscitation versus throttling

Face and neck injuries of 21 patients who died of other causes than mechanic asphyxia and who were resuscitated in connection to dying were analyzed during a 3-year period, 1980-1982. The injuries were predominantly of the type nail impression marks (85%) and showed a regular symmetric distribution tending to form circles around the nostrils and mouth. Injuries inflicted upon mouth-to-mouth ventilation were localized to the nose and at jaw-thrust to the mandibular margins and were easy to differ from those due to throttling. Injuries inflicted on the cheeks upon removal of vomit from the mouth were similar to those seen after violent oral occlusion and those occurring at carotid pulse palpation as indicated by throttling. No fractures of the laryngeal skeleton and no conjunctival haemorrhages were seen.     

Tuberculosis and sudden death in Baghdad

Tuberculosis deaths represent a recognizable proportion of all medicolegal statistics in and around Baghdad. Out of the total number of autopsies performed at the Medicolegal Institute at Baghdad, Iraq, in the years, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, and 1978, 168 sudden deaths were attributed to tuberculosis. Bilateral pulmonary tuberculosis was the principle lesion in the majority of the victims. Tuberculosis cavitation was the major finding in 126 cases, followed by advanced pulmonary TB without cavitation in 25. There was no gross abnormality, except for a histological basis of pulmonary TB associated with miliary TB involving hepatic, renal, meningeal, and mesenteric organs in the remaining 17 autopsies. The abrupt and suspicious deaths in older people, especially during cold months, is more likely due to TB. Autopsy should be performed in all cases of sudden and suspicious deaths. Histological study of different body organs, whether death is attributed by the investigative authority or not related to TB, should be required in all medicolegal autopsies, in order to obtain a true picture of TB as a natural cause of death.