Citation

Kernbach-Wighton G, Salamat B, Götz W, Saternus KS. Am. J. Forensic Med. Pathol. 2006; 27(2): 145-150.

Affiliation

Forensic Medicine Section, Division of Pathology, University of Edinburgh, Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. gkwighto@staffmail.ed.ac.uk

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/01.paf.0000221044.33724.f2

PMID

16738433

Abstract

A total of 58 cases of fatal trauma (forensic autopsies) were investigated for lesions of the pelvic girdle, the pubic symphysis, and for injuries distant from the pelvis. Traumata of the pubic symphysis were present in 30% (n = 17) of the cases. The symphyses were examined by x-ray and macroscopically related to the main violence (Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS]). A correlation between the latter and the severity of the resulting injuries could be deducted. Characteristic patterns of symphyseal injuries included small hemorrhages, partial and complete ruptures, and also ruptures of the ligamentary insertions, which have not yet been described. The kind and severity of these lesions related to the intensity/direction of the violence are demonstrated and discussed.

Language: en