Citation

Bohnert M, Rost T, Faller-Marquardt M, Ropohl D, Pollak S. Forensic Sci. Int. 1997; 87(1): 55-62.

Affiliation

Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9219359

Abstract

Based on a recent case, in which an expert opinion had to be prepared, the question was investigated if fractures of the base of the skull can result from the influence of heat on the human skull. Neither the retrospective analysis of autopsy records nor the prospective examination of charred bodies revealed any cases with heat-induced fractures of the base of the skull. Observation of cremations showed that the changes caused by the fire followed certain rules: fractures of the calvaria were seen after approximately 20 min; the base of the skull became exposed after about 45 to 60 min. In none of the 20 cremations watched could any fractures of the base of the skull be detected.

Language: en