Citation

Marty W, Sigrist T, Bär W. Z. Unfallchir. Versicherungsmed. 1993; 86(2): 90-96.

Vernacular Title

Selbstbeschadigung mit flussigem Stickstoff.

Affiliation

Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Universität Zürich.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, Verlag Hans Huber)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8251258

Abstract

During an insurance claim case, the question arose as to whether it is possible for the lower leg and foot to completely freeze and subsequently suffer necrosis if liquid nitrogen is accidentally spilled on them on one single occasion. Thermometric and thermographic experiments on corpses revealed that if liquid nitrogen is simply poured over a limb, "hoar frost" is formed on the skin but the temperature within the limb does not drop. Immersing a limb in liquid nitrogen for 40 seconds resulted in the skin becoming frozen, while the temperature within the limb only dropped a few degrees. After the limb was removed from the liquid nitrogen, it thawed out within 5-8 minutes. Conclusion: In this particular case we must assume self-affliction by means of direct contact with liquid nitrogen over a long period of time. Based on this case the manifestation of acts of self-infliction and the possibility of proving them is dealt with in more detail.

Language: de