[A multitrauma: diagnostic capabilities of computer tomography in forensic medical practice]

[Personality factors' influence (gender, age, death category) on indicators of biophysical objectification of intra-vital injuries of a putrefactive corpse]

OBJECTIVE

Determination of the personality factors influence (gender, age, death category) on the numerical indicators of electrical characteristics during biophysical objectification of soft tissue injuries in a putrefactive corpse. The study was carried out based on Bureau of Forensic Medicine of the Bashkortostan Republic. The instrumental method examined 177 putrefactive corpses; 78 are female and 99 are male. Measurement of electrical characteristics (electrical capacity, electrical resistance) was carried out by an invasive method using a submersible sensor. It was established a significant effect of a person's age, gender and death category on the results of instrumental measurements. These individual characteristics can be recognized as factors that determine the electrical resistance and electrical capacity of biological tissues.

[Technical and methodological support for postmortem radiation examinations in the pathological departments and the forensic bureau]

The purpose of the work is to analyze the technical and methodological features of postmortem radiation studies based on literature data and the results of our own experience. To designate such studies, the term thanatoradiology has been proposed. The basis for the effective conduct of a thanatodiological examination is adequate technical support, which equally consists of the capabilities of the equipment for obtaining radiographs, CT and MR tomograms (type and generation of the device, technical features of a particular model), as well as the capabilities of the radiologist's workstation with the help of which the computer processing of the obtained images is carried out, three-dimensional reconstructions are performed, the calculation of planar and volumetric parameters and additional information is obtained. The use of an X-ray unit allows one to assess only pronounced pathology and the presence of foreign objects. The effectiveness of a computed tomography device depends on the choice of the slice thickness and the step of the examination table. Research on a magnetic resonance imager is effective at certain magnetic induction strength, the form of a magnetic coil and the used mode of recording a pulse sequence. The objectivity and efficiency of digital processing of tomograms consists of the type of a radiologist's workstation and installed programs for post-processing tomograms, including for modeling three-dimensional images and color mapping. The choice of a specific method of postmortem radiation research should be determined mainly by the research objectives. Research should be carried out taking into account age, body weight, individual characteristics and the state of body tissues. Today, it is advisable to use radiation methods as part of a comprehensive pathological and anatomical or forensic medical research to improve the quality and shorten the autopsy duration. The development of a unified protocol for postmortem CT and MRI studies that meets the pathological, anatomical and forensic requirements remains an urgent task.

[Organization of postmortem radiological examination in the structure of pathological departments and forensic bureaus]

The purpose of this work is to develop an optimal scheme for organizing and conducting postmortem radiation studies in the Russian Federation based on literature data and our own results. One of the primary points in organizing virtopsiy is to determine the place where radiation examinations of deceased patients will be performed. The absence or presence of the equipment and capabilities available in the institution, i.e., the department of radiation diagnostics with functioning CT and MRI devices and software, determines the volume of economic costs. The analysis of the results of radiation research methods should be carried out by a highly qualified radiologist who has both general knowledge of radiation diagnostics and information about the radiation pattern of nonspecific postmortem changes. Based on our own experience in organizing postmortem radiation examinations, we consider it optimal to conduct postmortem CT and/or MRI scans by an X-ray technician in the radiation diagnostics department and to introduce a separate radiologist in the staffing of the pathology department or forensic medical examination bureau. In our opinion, an examination of the corpse by a radiologist in conjunction with a forensic expert is required to determine the most important areas of interest, tactics and methodology of radiation research. The final conclusion of the radiologist should be formed after consultation and agreement of the identified changes with a pathologist or forensic expert. Virtopsy is a highly effective objective method for examining a corpse. This dictates the need for its widespread introduction into the practice of the forensic medical examination bureaus and pathological and anatomical departments.

[Forensic assessment of seat belt injuries caused to a minor passenger in the rear seat]

The purpose of this work is to draw attention to the problem of child injuries in road traffic accidents. Children are the most vulnerable road users. Seat belts as elements of passive safety of cars cannot always provide the necessary protection. In some cases, they act as traumatic objects. A case of a thoracic spine injury (fractures of the bodies of two thoracic vertebrae) in a minor child who was on a booster and fixed with a standard seat belt is presented. The data of clinical and special research methods are presented, as well as options for solving some forensic issues are considered.