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Reyes Albaladejo F, Soriano BJ, Gitto L. Analysis of unique atypical screwdriver injuries. J Forensic Sci 2024. [PMID: 39286946 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Fatalities caused by sharp and pointed instruments, especially screwdrivers, are not frequently observed in the United States. The shape of the screwdriver tip generally determines the resulting wounds that can range from linear, to rectangular or cross-shaped, often reflecting common screwdriver head shapes. Recognizing such patterns is crucial, as they can aid in identifying the potential weapon used in the crime. In the reported case, an adult male was found dead in his living room surrounded by a pool of blood, with multiple injuries. At autopsy, the pattern of penetration was consistent with that of a six-point star (Torx) screwdriver, which has never been reported as a deadly weapon in the literature before. A Torx screwdriver has a blunt head, resulting in hybrid injuries with both penetrating and blunt force features. Because of its rigid structure and narrow tip, a Torx screwdriver may forcefully penetrate the skin, soft tissues, and bone, causing severe injuries to the deep organs. The case highlights the importance for the forensic pathologist to examine and recognize atypical penetrating wounds for the identification and location of rare weapons. High-definition graphic documentation of the injuries allows thorough examination and comparison of injuries with potential weapons. When the weapon is not retrieved, detailed injury descriptions guide investigations toward searching for a screwdriver, improving the chances of identifying the weapon used to commit the crime.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lorenzo Gitto
- Cook County Medical Examiner's Office, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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2
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Kislov MA, Chauhan M, Prikhodko AN, Bespamyatnov RV, Natarova KV. Suicide by a construction nail fired from a pistol. J Forensic Leg Med 2024; 103:102682. [PMID: 38657335 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2024.102682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Penetrating head injury to accomplish suicide by a non-ammunition-related projectile discharged from a nail-gun is a very rare entity. The authors describe even much rarer, and the first reported case of a suicide penetrating head injury by a construction nail discharged from a blank cartridge of a pistol. The absence of beveling and muzzle impression, the non-ejection of the discharged cartridge, and the exit of just the tip of the nail from the other side of wound were the atypical features in this firearm fatality sustained at a contact-range. The entry wound prototypes like abrasion and grease collar, and blackening were absent. An improvisation to insert a construction nail into the chamber of firearm, for utilization as a projectile was another unique highlight here. The deceased was a construction builder. Being debt-ridden, he probably could not manage to purchase even one live cartridge for his licensee pistol to bring suicidal ideation to culmination.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Kislov
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Federal State University of Education, Moscow, Russia.
| | - M Chauhan
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 1st Floor, Old Academic Block, Lady Hardinge Medical College and Associated Hospitals, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, Connaught Place, DIZ Area, New - Delhi, 110001, India.
| | - A N Prikhodko
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia.
| | - R V Bespamyatnov
- Criminalistics Department, Main Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation in Moscow Region, Colonel of Justice, 127006, Sadovo-Triumfalnaya Street, 10/13, Moscow, Russia.
| | - K V Natarova
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia.
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Şahin MH, Zeynal M. New surgical technique for non-missile trauma hemostasis as a result of sewing needle. Childs Nerv Syst 2023; 39:781-785. [PMID: 36640176 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-023-05831-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Traumas are the most important cause of mortality in the pediatric population. Bleeding is an important complication, especially in traumatic brain injuries with coagulation problem addition. Low-velocity penetrating brain injuries may be caused by sewing needles, nails, and knives. There are few studies in the literature for this injury type. This study presented a surgical technique and treatment to increase hemostasis in a 2-year-old patient after a sewing needle injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Hakan Şahin
- Neurosurgery Department, University of Ataturk School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yakutiye Training and Research Hospital, Ataturk University Medicine Faculty, Ataturk University Campus, Erzurum, 25240, Turkey.
| | - Mete Zeynal
- Neurosurgery Department, University of Ataturk School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey
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Bodwal J, Chauhan M, Behera C, Byard RW. An unusual patterned injury from homicidal craniocerebral impalement with a metal chair leg. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2020; 17:327-329. [PMID: 32770495 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-020-00289-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A 26-year-old young man died shortly after he had suffered craniocerebral impalement from a metal chair leg during an affray at an airport bar. At autopsy a 25 mm diameter circular wound was present in the left parietal region with protruding brain tissue. Death was due to craniocerebral trauma from a penetrating injury to the head. Examination of the chair used in the assault showed a metal chair with smeared blood on the front right leg that matched the blood group of the decedent. The fatal wound had been inflicted by the assailant with the victim leaning forward while kneeling on the floor. The assault had produced an unusual circular patterned defect in the left parietal bone with dimensions corresponding to the chair leg. The location of the defect and the use of a chair leg were two very unusual features in this homicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatin Bodwal
- Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Government Medical College & Hospital, Room No 212, Level II, E-Block, Sector-32, Chandigarh, 160030, India
| | - Mohit Chauhan
- Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Government Medical College & Hospital, Room No 212, Level II, E-Block, Sector-32, Chandigarh, 160030, India.
| | - Chittaranjan Behera
- Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Roger W Byard
- Forensic Science South Australia, 21 Divett Place, Adelaide, 5000, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Frome Road, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
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Chauhan M, Behera C, Dikshit PC. Fatal orbito-cerebral penetration by industrial grease viscous: Rare case report. Med Leg J 2017; 85:100-102. [PMID: 28071152 DOI: 10.1177/0025817216687189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Assorted projectiles including shrapnel, sling shots, stones, metal and rock fragments and other missiles cause fatal penetrating skull injuries. In this case, a 34-year-old foreman suffered a fatal penetrating orbito-cerebral injury while lubricating a hydraulic rock-splitting machine with industrial grease viscous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Chauhan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, MAMC & Associated Hospitals, New Delhi 110002, India
| | - Chittaranjan Behera
- Department of Forensic Medicine, MAMC & Associated Hospitals, New Delhi 110002, India
| | - P C Dikshit
- Department of Forensic Medicine, MAMC & Associated Hospitals, New Delhi 110002, India
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Traumatic Brain Injury Due to Screwdriver Assaults: Literature Review and Case Report. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2016; 37:291-298. [PMID: 27571172 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Penetrating head injuries due to the use of screwdrivers as wounding agents in acts of interpersonal violence seldom occur. The aim of this article is to update and summarize the relevant literature on penetrating craniocerebral screwdriver stab wounds and to report a new case of screwdriver assault. A number of studies were reviewed to investigate the incidence, distribution, common findings, mechanism of injury, differential diagnostic criteria, complications, treatment, and prognosis of craniocerebral screwdriver stab injuries. It was observed that the degree of traumatic severity depends on the cross-sectional area of the screwdriver and the anatomical region of injury. Craniocerebral screwdriver injuries are mainly cases of interpersonal violence and the mortality rate is approximately 47.6%. In 23.8% of the incidents, the trauma is overlooked on admission because of the small entry wound and, thus, the severity of the injury is not initially appreciated.
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Fatal Hematoma After Removal of a Screw Driver Causing ICA Occlusion. Clin Neuroradiol 2016; 27:115-119. [PMID: 27402304 DOI: 10.1007/s00062-016-0526-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Ventura Spagnolo E, Mondello C, Cardia L, Cannavò G, Cardia G. Skull and Encephalic Injuries Caused by Beach Umbrellas: Case Reports and Review of Literature. J Forensic Sci 2016; 61:851-854. [PMID: 27122432 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study reports two unusual cases of skull-encephalic injuries in bathers that were caused by violent impacts with beach umbrellas. The first case concerned a 36-year-old man who, while lying on a sun bed, was struck on his left temple by a beach umbrella, which had been blown away by a gust of wind. The second case concerned a six-year-old child who was struck on the right temporal region while he was playing on the sand. Both subjects died. A review of the literature was carried out. Various skull and brain injuries caused by several objects were found, but no injuries caused by beach umbrellas were detected. There were only cases of injuries caused by normal umbrellas. These cases showed that several objects can be responsible for traumas causing skull and brain injuries, therefore forensic investigation must be supplemented by circumstantial data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Ventura Spagnolo
- Department of Biotechnology and Legal Medicine, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, Palermo, 90127, Italy
| | - Cristina Mondello
- Department of Biomedical Science and of Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, Gazzi, Messina, 98125, Italy
| | - Luigi Cardia
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, Gazzi, 98125, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cannavò
- Universitary Hospital «G.Martino», Via Consolare Valeria, Gazzi, Messina, 98125, Italy
| | - Giulio Cardia
- Department of Biomedical Science and of Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, Gazzi, Messina, 98125, Italy
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Ijaz L, Nadeem MM. Transorbital penetrating brain injury to frontal lobe by a wheel spoke. J Pediatr Neurosci 2015; 9:267-9. [PMID: 25624934 PMCID: PMC4302551 DOI: 10.4103/1817-1745.147588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Penetrating brain injury (PBI) is rare and the severest form of head injury with a high morbidity and mortality. A 3.5-year-old girl presented with PBI with a wheel spoke. Computerized tomography scan with three-dimensional skull reconstruction depicted its extent from the medial side of the roof of the right orbit to the right frontal lobe with a cavitation around the spoke. The spoke was removed by manipulation under general anesthesia from the entry site without a formal craniotomy. Postoperative outcome was uneventful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubna Ijaz
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, The Children's Hospital and the Institute of Child Health, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Malik Muhammad Nadeem
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, The Children's Hospital and the Institute of Child Health, Lahore, Pakistan
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Thierauf-Emberger A, Pollak S. Penetrierende Kopfverletzung durch eine Nagelschraube. Rechtsmedizin (Berl) 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00194-014-0974-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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