Citation

Shetty BS, Babu YP, Sameer KS, Salian PR, Shetty M, Manipady S, Majumdar KP. Leg. Med. (Elsevier) 2009; 11(3): 139-141.

Affiliation

Dept. of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Light House Hill Road, Mangalore, Karnataka 575001, India. bellisks@rediffmail.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Japanese Society of Legal Medicine, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.legalmed.2008.12.003

PMID

19201241

Abstract

Penetrating or stab injuries of the chest are not uncommon and could be accidental, suicidal or homicidal. However, the present case discusses the importance of a careful examination of an unusual presentation in a motor vehicle accident. The case presented with haemopericardium and haemothorax due to penetrating rib injury to the heart, subsequent to blunt force trauma on the posterior chest wall. This case is highlighted, so that it becomes a necessary tool for the forensic experts to have an unprejudiced approach at autopsy and come to a reasonable conclusion.

Language: en