Distribution of facial injuries in cases involving a fall on a flat surface

Paweł Kopacz; Tomasz Konopka; Filip Bolechała; Marcin Strona

doi:10.5114/amsik.2015.58158

eISSN: 1689-1716
ISSN: 0324-8267

Archiwum Medycyny Sądowej i Kryminologii/Archives of Forensic Medicine and Criminology

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3/2015
vol. 65

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abstract:

Original paper

Distribution of facial injuries in cases involving a fall on a flat surface

Paweł Kopacz

,

Tomasz Konopka

,

Filip Bolechała

,

Marcin Strona

Arch Med Sąd Kryminol 2015; 65 (3): 125–132

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/amsik.2015.58158

Online publish date: 2016/03/18

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Aim of the study: Determination whether injuries identified on the victim’s head were caused by a blow made by another person or by a fall resulting in hitting a surface.

Material and methods: An analysis of archive photographs taken routinely at the Forensic Institute in Krakow, Poland, to document post-mortem examinations in the years 2004–2012.

Results: A comparative analysis of the images clearly shows that certain areas are much more vulnerable to contact with the surface and thus to injuries; other areas are clearly protected in the case of a fall on a flat surface.

Conclusions: In the case of a fall on a solid, flat surface, injuries are located first of all on brow ridges, nasal bridge and nasal apex, on the malar area and on the front surface of the chin. The following areas are clearly protected: eyelids, eyebrows, medial and upper parts of the cheeks, lips and the lower part of the chin.

keywords:

Distribution of facial injuries in cases involving a fall on a flat surface

Paweł Kopacz , Tomasz Konopka , Filip Bolechała , Marcin Strona

battery, fall, facial injuries, facial trauma

Paweł Kopacz

,

Tomasz Konopka

,

Filip Bolechała

,

Marcin Strona