NCJ Number
243696
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: S 1 Dated: January 2013 Pages: S 156-S 162
Date Published
January 2013
Length
7 pages
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.