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Bernardi C, Nogueira L, Amoretti N, Carle GF, Alunni V. Comparison of false starts by saw created on flesh and dry bones; as close as possible to the real conditions of criminal dismemberment. Int J Legal Med 2024:10.1007/s00414-024-03256-6. [PMID: 38763927 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03256-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
In most experimental protocols, false starts are produced on dry bones obtained through a maceration process for anthropological analyses, for the sake of reproducibility. Although this allows for controlled experimental conditions, the absence of soft parts when experimentally creating false starts does not correspond to the real conditions of criminal dismemberment. The main objective of this study was to determine if the results of experimental work on the characteristics of false starts were valid under medico-legal conditions. In this experimental study, a hand saw (rip saw, wavy set, TPI 32) was used. 240 false starts were produced on human and pig bones. Randomly, the false starts were either produced on a dry bone or on a flesh bone. The criteria for microscopic analysis included the shape of the walls, the shape and visibility of striae on the floor, the shape of the profile, and the minimum width of the false start. On human bone, 100% of the false starts produced on a bone that had previously undergone a maceration process for anthropological analyses (dry bone) allowed the definition of all the blade characteristics. This was the case for 78.3% on bone in the presence of soft tissue (flesh bone). The striae on the floor of the false start are in some cases less visible with flesh bones, implying that it may be more difficult to conclude on the characteristics of a saw under medico-legal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Bernardi
- Faculté de Médecine, Institut Universitaire d'Anthropologie Médico-Légale, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, Nice cedex 2, 06107, France.
- UMR E4320 TIRO-MATOs CEA/DRF/Institut Joliot, Université Nice Sophia- Antipolis, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France.
| | - Luísa Nogueira
- Faculté de Médecine, Institut Universitaire d'Anthropologie Médico-Légale, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, Nice cedex 2, 06107, France
| | - Nicolas Amoretti
- Service de Radiologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Hôpital Pasteur 2, 30 Voie Romaine, Nice, 06000, France
- Laboratoire de Médecine Moléculaire, FRE CNRS 3472 Nice. iBV, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Université Côte d'Azur UMR7277 CNRS - UMR1091 INSERM, Nice, France
| | - Georges F Carle
- UMR E4320 TIRO-MATOs CEA/DRF/Institut Joliot, Université Nice Sophia- Antipolis, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Véronique Alunni
- Faculté de Médecine, Institut Universitaire d'Anthropologie Médico-Légale, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, Nice cedex 2, 06107, France
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Fischer VKS, Rothschild MA, Kneubuehl BP, Kamphausen T. Skin simulants for wound ballistic investigation - an experimental study. Int J Legal Med 2024:10.1007/s00414-024-03223-1. [PMID: 38570340 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03223-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Gunshot wound analysis is an important part of medicolegal practice, in both autopsies and examinations of living persons. Well-established and studied simulants exist that exhibit both physical and biomechanical properties of soft-tissues and bones. Current research literature on ballistic wounds focuses on the biomechanical properties of skin simulants. In our extensive experimental study, we tested numerous synthetic and natural materials, regarding their macromorphological bullet impact characteristics, and compared these data with those from real bullet injuries gathered from medicolegal practice. Over thirty varieties of potential skin simulants were shot perpendicularly, and at 45°, at a distance of 10 m and 0.3 m, using full metal jacket (FMJ) projectiles (9 × 19 mm Luger). Simulants included ballistic gelatine at various concentrations, dental silicones with several degrees of hardness, alginates, latex, chamois leather, suture trainers for medical training purposes and various material compound models. In addition to complying to the general requirements for a synthetic simulant, results obtained from dental silicones shore hardness 70 (backed with 20 % by mass gelatine), were especially highly comparable to gunshot entry wounds in skin from real cases. Based on these results, particularly focusing on the macroscopically detectable criteria, we can strongly recommend dental silicone shore hardness 70 as a skin simulant for wound ballistics examinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria K S Fischer
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Melatenguertel 60/62, 50823, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Markus A Rothschild
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Melatenguertel 60/62, 50823, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Kamphausen
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Melatenguertel 60/62, 50823, Cologne, Germany
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Chaufer M, Delille R, Bourel B, Maréchal C, Lauro F, Mauzac O, Roth S. Review of non-penetrating ballistic testing techniques for protection assessment: From biological data to numerical and physical surrogates. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2024; 238:383-402. [PMID: 38415326 DOI: 10.1177/09544119241232122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Human surrogates have long been employed to simulate human behaviour, beginning in the automotive industry and now widely used throughout the safety framework to estimate human injury during and after accidents and impacts. In the specific context of blunt ballistics, various methods have been developed to investigate wound injuries, including tissue simulants such as clays or gelatine ballistic, physical dummies and numerical models. However, all of these surrogate entities must be biofidelic, meaning they must accurately represent the biological properties of the human body. This paper provides an overview of physical and numerical surrogates developed specifically for blunt ballistic impacts, including their properties, use and applications. The focus is on their ability to accurately represent the human body in the context of blunt ballistic impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Chaufer
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory Carnot of Bourgogne-Site UTBM, UMR 6303, CNRS/Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), Belfort, France
| | - Rémi Delille
- Univ. Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, CNRS, UMR 8201, LAMIH, Laboratoire d'Automatique de Mécanique et d'Informatique Industrielles et Humaines, Valenciennes, France
| | - Benjamin Bourel
- Univ. Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, CNRS, UMR 8201, LAMIH, Laboratoire d'Automatique de Mécanique et d'Informatique Industrielles et Humaines, Valenciennes, France
| | - Christophe Maréchal
- Univ. Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, CNRS, UMR 8201, LAMIH, Laboratoire d'Automatique de Mécanique et d'Informatique Industrielles et Humaines, Valenciennes, France
| | - Franck Lauro
- Univ. Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, CNRS, UMR 8201, LAMIH, Laboratoire d'Automatique de Mécanique et d'Informatique Industrielles et Humaines, Valenciennes, France
- Insa Hauts-de-France, Valenciennes, France
| | - Olivier Mauzac
- French Ministry of Interior, CREL/DEPAFI, Place Beauvau, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Roth
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory Carnot of Bourgogne-Site UTBM, UMR 6303, CNRS/Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), Belfort, France
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Yoganandan N, Shah A, Somberg L, Baisden J, Stemper BD, Bass C, Salzar RS, Chancey VC, McEntire J. A Novel Paradigm to Develop Regional Thoracoabdominal Criteria for Behind Armor Blunt Trauma Based on Original Data. Mil Med 2023; 188:598-605. [PMID: 37948200 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION For behind armor blunt trauma (BABT), recent prominent BABT standards for chest plate define a maximum deformation distance of 44 mm in clay. It was developed for soft body armor applications with limited animal, gelatin, and clay tests. The legacy criterion does not account for differing regional thoracoabdominal tolerances to behind armor-induced injury. This study examines the rationale and approaches used in the legacy BABT clay criterion and presents a novel paradigm to develop thoracoabdominal regional injury risk curves. MATERIALS AND METHODS A review of the original military and law enforcement studies using animals, surrogates, and body armor materials was conducted, and a reanalysis of data was performed. A multiparameter model analysis describes survival-lethality responses using impactor/projectile (mass, diameter, and impact velocity) and specimen (weight and tissue thickness) variables. Binary regression risk curves with ±95% confidence intervals (CIs) and peak deformations from simulant tests are presented. RESULTS Injury risk curves from 74 goat thorax tests showed that peak deflections of 44.7 mm (±95% CI: 17.6 to 55.4 mm) and 49.9 mm (±95% CI: 24.7 to 60.4 mm) were associated with the 10% and 15% probability of lethal outcomes. 20% gelatin and Roma Plastilina #1 clay were stiffer than goat. The clay was stiffer than 20% gelatin. Penetration diameters showed greater variations (on a test-by-test basis, difference 36-53%) than penetration depths (0-12%) across a range of projectiles and velocities. CONCLUSIONS While the original authors stressed limitations and the importance of additional tests for refining the 44 mm recommendation, they were not pursued. As live swine tests are effective in developing injury criteria and the responses of different areas of the thoracoabdominal regions are different because of anatomy, structure, and function, a new set of swine and human cadaver tests are necessary to develop scaling relationships. Live swine tests are needed to develop incapacitation/lethal injury risk functions; using scaling relationships, human injury criteria can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narayan Yoganandan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Alok Shah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Lewis Somberg
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Jamie Baisden
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Brain D Stemper
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin & Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Cameron Bass
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Robert S Salzar
- Center for Applied Biomechanics, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22911, USA
| | - Valeta Carol Chancey
- Injury Biomechanics and Protection Group, U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory, Fort Rucker, AL 36362, USA
| | - Joseph McEntire
- Injury Biomechanics and Protection Group, U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory, Fort Rucker, AL 36362, USA
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Chaufer M, Delille R, Bourel B, Marechal C, Lauro F, Mauzac O, Roth S. A new biomechanical FE model for blunt thoracic impact. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1152508. [PMID: 37034254 PMCID: PMC10073536 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1152508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In the field of biomechanics, numerical procedures can be used to understand complex phenomena that cannot be analyzed with experimental setups. The use of experimental data from human cadavers can present ethical issues that can be avoided by utilizing biofidelic models. Biofidelic models have been shown to have far-reaching benefits, particularly in evaluating the effectiveness of protective devices such as body armors. For instance, numerical twins coupled with a biomechanical model can be used to assess the efficacy of protective devices against intense external forces. Similarly, the use of human body surrogates in experimental studies has allowed for biomechanical studies, as demonstrated by the development of crash test dummies that are commonly used in automotive testing. This study proposes using numerical procedures and simplifying the structure of an existing biofidelic FE model of the human thorax as a preliminary step in building a physical surrogate. A reverse engineering method was used to ensure the use of manufacturable materials, which resulted in a FE model called SurHUByx FEM (Surrogate HUByx Finite Element Model, with HUByx being the original thorax FE model developed previously). This new simplified model was validated against existing experimental data on cadavers in the context of ballistic impact. SurHUByx FEM, with its new material properties of manufacturable materials, demonstrated consistent behavior with the corresponding biomechanical corridors derived from these experiments. The validation process of this new simplified FE model yielded satisfactory results and is the first step towards the development of its physical twin using manufacturable materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Chaufer
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory Carnot of Bourgogne-Site UTBM, UMR 6303, CNRS / Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), Belfort, France
- *Correspondence: Martin Chaufer,
| | - Rémi Delille
- Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, CNRS, UMR 8201 – LAMIH – Laboratoire d’Automatique de Mécanique et d’Informatique Industrielles et Humaines, Valenciennes, France
| | - Benjamin Bourel
- Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, CNRS, UMR 8201 – LAMIH – Laboratoire d’Automatique de Mécanique et d’Informatique Industrielles et Humaines, Valenciennes, France
| | - Christophe Marechal
- Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, CNRS, UMR 8201 – LAMIH – Laboratoire d’Automatique de Mécanique et d’Informatique Industrielles et Humaines, Valenciennes, France
| | - Franck Lauro
- Université Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, CNRS, UMR 8201 – LAMIH – Laboratoire d’Automatique de Mécanique et d’Informatique Industrielles et Humaines, Valenciennes, France
- Insa Hauts-de-France, Valenciennes, France
| | | | - Sebastien Roth
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory Carnot of Bourgogne-Site UTBM, UMR 6303, CNRS / Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), Belfort, France
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Luo S, Wen Y, Li J. Experimental investigation on the characteristics of temporary cavity in BABT with 9 mm projectiles. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 323:110772. [PMID: 33872919 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Temporary cavity, one physical phenomenon in BABT reflects the dynamic response of biological tissues and is used to evaluate the trauma. To clarify the characteristics of cavity evolution during 9 mm Luger penetration, we obtain the deformation profiles by using an experimental method with a high-speed camera and thereby visualize the cavity formation and development. According to the dynamic impact experiments at the velocity from 220 to 420 m/s, the temporary cavity profile can be approximately regarded as a semi-ellipsoid. The maximum depth increases as a quadratic function of velocity. Additionally, the maximum volume of the temporary cavity is attained significantly after the maximum depth. The change rate of cavity volume in the expansion stage is larger than that in the contraction stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaomin Luo
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang 550003, Guizhou, China.
| | - Yaoke Wen
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Juan Li
- School of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang 550003, Guizhou, China.
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7
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A histological comparison of non-human rib models suited for sharp force trauma analysis. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 319:110661. [PMID: 33360603 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cut marks provide essential knowledge to interpret which and how tools were used, both in archaeological and forensic context. Lots of studies focused on experimentally produced cut marks on animal models to develop methods for stabbing incidents. However, animal models are criticized to be morphologically different in comparison to human bones. This study analyzed the bone composition and experimentally obtained cut marks done on ribs from humans, pigs and goats. Methods included a qualitative description of differences between the species and a quantitative analysis of the cut mark proportions in histological thin sections and micro CT scans. The results indicated that especially the cortical bone of non-human ribs was different in comparison to human bone tissue as they were more robust and usually juvenile. Plexiform bone dominates and remodeled lamellar bone is rarely visible. The knife impact tends to create debris inside the cut mark and stress fractures along lamellae and cement lines perpendicular to the cut mark. Moreover, entheses of the intercostal muscles are always affected by the incision. Pig ribs were shown to be better suited as a model for sharp force trauma than goat ribs in comparison to humans. Though, plexiform bone and non-remodeled bone made it not quite ideal. We suggested to use bone material from animals used for breeding instead of meat production as they are slaughtered at higher ages.
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Duhem H, Viglino D, Bellier A, Tanguy S, Descombe V, Boucher F, Chaffanjon P, Debaty G. Cadaver models for cardiac arrest: A systematic review and perspectives. Resuscitation 2019; 143:68-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2019.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Bracq A, Delille R, Maréchal C, Bourel B, Roth S, Mauzac O. Rib fractures prediction method for kinetic energy projectile impact: from blunt ballistic experiments on SEBS gel to impact modeling on a human torso FE model. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 297:177-183. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Pankowski F, Bogiel G, Paśko S, Rzepiński F, Misiewicz J, Staszak A, Bonecka J, Dzierzęcka M, Bartyzel BJ. Fatal gunshot injuries in the common buzzard Buteo buteo L. 1758 - imaging and ballistic findings. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2018; 14:526-530. [PMID: 30171496 PMCID: PMC6267380 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-018-0017-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The conservation of the common buzzard is assured by the European Union law. In Poland, this wild bird is under strict species protection and it is used as a bioindicator for heavy metals in the environment. A case of the fatal shooting of a buzzard with a firearm by an unidentified shooter is described here. Macroscopic evaluation, X-ray imaging, post-mortem computed tomography, ballistic examination of the isolated bullets and finally a simulation of the assumed position of the bird at the time of the shot were performed. Numerous pellets were found inside the body, together with multiple bone fractures and central nervous system trauma. The buzzard died most probably as a result of spinal cord injury from a single shot that was fired from a smoothbore hunting gun. Collected evidence was insufficient to identify the shooter, which sadly confirms that identification of the perpetrator in wildlife forensics remains low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Pankowski
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Bogiel
- Toolmark and Ballistic Department, Central Forensic Laboratory of the Police Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sławomir Paśko
- Virtual Reality Techniques Division, Faculty of Mechatronics, The Institute of Micromechanics and Photonics, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Filip Rzepiński
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Misiewicz
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alfred Staszak
- University of Zielona Góra, Faculty of Law and Administration, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Joanna Bonecka
- Department of Small Animal Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Dzierzęcka
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej J Bartyzel
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW, Warsaw, Poland.
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Rodrigues SA, Guey J, Plummer TCH, Pullen A, Shaw B, Kieser DC. Influence of rib impact on thoracic gunshot trauma. J ROY ARMY MED CORPS 2018; 164:405-409. [PMID: 30093376 DOI: 10.1136/jramc-2018-000984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The influence of rib impact on thoracic gunshot trauma remains unclear, despite its high occurrence. This study therefore investigates the effect of rib impact on a bullet's terminal properties and injury severity. METHODS Two bullets were used: 5.56×45 mm (full charge and reduced charge) and 7.62×51 mm (full charge). For each bullet, three impact groups were tested: (1) plain 10% ballistic gelatin (control) conditioned at 4°C, (2) intercostal impact, and (3) rib impact, the latter two tested with samples of porcine thoracic walls embedded in gelatin. Analysis included penetration depth, trajectory change, yaw, fragmentation, velocity reduction, energy deposition and temporary and permanent cavity characteristics. RESULTS No significant differences were observed for most variables. Differences were found between rib (and intercostal) impact and the control groups, suggesting that the inclusion of thoracic walls produces an effect more significant than the anatomical impact site. Effects were ammunition specific. For the 7.62×51 mm round, rib impact caused an earlier onset of yaw and more superficial permanent gelatin damage compared with plain gelatin. This round also formed a larger temporary cavity on rib impact than intercostal impact. Rib (and intercostal impact) created a smaller temporary cavity than the control for the 5.56×45 mm round. For the reduced-charge 5.56×45 mm round, rib and intercostal impact produced greater velocity reduction compared with plain gelatin. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new insights into the role of rib impact in thoracic gunshot injuries, and indicates that the effects are ammunition dependent. Unlike the 5.56×45 mm rounds, rib impact with the 7.62×51 mm rounds increases the risk of severe wounding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Alda Rodrigues
- Ballistics and Personnel Protection, Defence Technology Agency, New Zealand Defence Force, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - J Guey
- Ballistics and Personnel Protection, Defence Technology Agency, New Zealand Defence Force, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - T C H Plummer
- Ballistics and Personnel Protection, Defence Technology Agency, New Zealand Defence Force, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - A Pullen
- Ballistics and Personnel Protection, Defence Technology Agency, New Zealand Defence Force, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - B Shaw
- Ballistics and Personnel Protection, Defence Technology Agency, New Zealand Defence Force, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - D C Kieser
- Department of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Jennings RM, Malbon C, Brock F, Harrisson S, Carr DJ. A preliminary study into injuries due to non-perforating ballistic impacts into soft body armour over the spine. Injury 2018; 49:1251-1257. [PMID: 29861310 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2018.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The UK Home Office test method for ballistic protective police body armours considers anterior torso impacts to be the worst-case scenario and tests rear armour panels to the same standards as front panels. The aim of this paper was to examine the injuries from spinal behind armour blunt trauma (BABT) impacts. This study used a cadaveric 65 kg, female pig barrel and 9 mm Luger ammunition (9 × 19 mm, FMJ Nammo Lapur Oy) into HG1/A + KR1 soft armour panels over the spine. Injuries were inspected and sections removed for x-radiography and micro-CT assessment. All shots over the spine resulted in deep soft tissue injuries from pencilling of the armour and the shirt worn under the armour. The wounds had embedded fabric debris which would require surgery to remove resulting in increased recovery time over injuries usually seen in anterior torso BABT impacts, which are typically haematoma and fractured ribs. The shot with the deepest soft tissue wound (41 mm) also resulted in a fractured spinous process. Shots were also fired at the posterior and anterior rib area of the pig barrel, for comparison to the spine. Similar wounds were seen on the shots to the posterior rib area while shallower, smaller wounds were seen on the anterior and one anterior rib shot resulted in a single, un-displaced rib fracture. The anatomical differences between pigs and humans would most likely mean that injury to a human from these impacts would be more serious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind M Jennings
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham, Wiltshire, SN6 8LA, UK
| | - Chris Malbon
- Impact and Armour Group, Centre for Defence Engineering, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham, Wiltshire, SN6 8LA, UK
| | - Fiona Brock
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham, Wiltshire, SN6 8LA, UK
| | - Stuart Harrisson
- Academic Department of Military Surgery and Trauma, Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, B15 2SQ, UK
| | - Debra J Carr
- Impact and Armour Group, Centre for Defence Engineering, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham, Wiltshire, SN6 8LA, UK.
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13
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Jennings RM, Malbon C, Brock F, Harrisson SE, Carr DJ. Preliminary study into the skeletal injuries sustained to the spine from posterior non-perforating ballistic impacts into body armour. J ROY ARMY MED CORPS 2018; 164:186-190. [PMID: 29784654 DOI: 10.1136/jramc-2017-000893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this paper was to examine any injuries from posterior behind armour blunt trauma ballistic impacts directly over the spine onto typical hard body armours. Due to the spine being close to the surface of the skin and a lack of any previous specific research into this topic, this study was designed to gain preliminary insight into the mechanisms involved and injuries caused. Pigs were chosen as the closest representative of human spine, tissue and skin, although their spines are deeper under the surface than humans. Baseline spine and ribs shots were conducted to ensure that the study was effective. METHOD This study used a 65 kg cadaveric pig eviscerated torso and 7.62 NATO ammunition (7.62×51; L2A2; mean velocity=838 m/s, SD=4 m/s) impacting hard body armour plates over the spine. Injuries were inspected, and sections were removed for X-ray and micro-CT assessment. RESULTS There was no visible soft tissue damage under the impact point on the armour over the spine, and no bony injuries were reported. Baseline rib shots resulted in multiple rib fractures; some showed minimal displacement of the bone. Baseline spine shot resulted in damage across the spine involving spinal cord and bone. CONCLUSION No injuries were noted from the spinal impacts, and the rib shots resulted in injuries consistent with those previously reported. The anatomical differences between pigs and humans does not preclude that bony injuries could occur in a human from these types of spinal ballistic impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind M Jennings
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham, Wiltshire, SN6 8LA, UK
| | - C Malbon
- Impact and Armour Group, Centre for Defence Engineering, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham, Wiltshire, SN6 8LA, UK
| | - F Brock
- Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham, Wiltshire, SN6 8LA, UK
| | | | - D J Carr
- Impact and Armour Group, Centre for Defence Engineering, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the UK, Shrivenham, Wiltshire, SN6 8LA, UK
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Chest response assessment of post-mortem swine under blast loadings. J Biomech 2017; 65:169-175. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Bracq A, Haugou G, Delille R, Lauro F, Roth S, Mauzac O. Experimental study of the strain rate dependence of a synthetic gel for ballistic blunt trauma assessment. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2017; 72:138-147. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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16
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Effects of heat on cut mark characteristics. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 271:49-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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17
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Maiden NR, Hiss J, Gips H, Hocherman G, Levin N, Kosachevsky O, Vinokurov A, Zelkowicz A, Byard RW. An Analysis of the Characteristics of Thoracic and Abdominal Injuries Due to Gunshot Homicides in Israel. J Forensic Sci 2015; 61:87-92. [PMID: 26264376 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Revised: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
De-identified wound data from 197 homicidal gunshot postmortems were obtained between 2000 and 2008. Forensic ballistics data were only available for cases between 2004 and 2008. Males represent 91% of gunshot victims and were struck in the thorax/abdomen with an average of 2.3 bullets. The type of firearms involved were semi-automatic pistols in the predominant caliber 9-mm Luger and assault rifles in caliber 5.56 × 45 mm and caliber 7.62 × 39 mm Soviet, using full metal jacket bullets. The majority of shootings occurred at ranges of 1 m or greater. The most common bullet path was front to back in 66% of cases. Entry wounds occurred more often on the left side of the thorax, abdomen, and back. The most common critical organs/tissues to sustain bullet trauma in descending order were as follows: heart, lungs, liver, aorta, spleen, kidneys, and vena cava. Ribs were struck by most bullets that entered the thorax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Maiden
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, The University of Adelaide, Frome Road Level 3 Medical School North Building, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Jehuda Hiss
- National Centre of Forensic Medicine, PO Box 8495, Tel Aviv - Yafo, Israel, 6108401
| | - Hadas Gips
- National Centre of Forensic Medicine, PO Box 8495, Tel Aviv - Yafo, Israel, 6108401
| | - Gil Hocherman
- Division of Identification & Forensic Science, Israel National Police, Bar Lev Haim 1, East Jerusalem, Israel, 97200
| | - Nadav Levin
- Division of Identification & Forensic Science, Israel National Police, Bar Lev Haim 1, East Jerusalem, Israel, 97200
| | - Olga Kosachevsky
- Division of Identification & Forensic Science, Israel National Police, Bar Lev Haim 1, East Jerusalem, Israel, 97200
| | - Asya Vinokurov
- Division of Identification & Forensic Science, Israel National Police, Bar Lev Haim 1, East Jerusalem, Israel, 97200
| | - Avraham Zelkowicz
- Division of Identification & Forensic Science, Israel National Police, Bar Lev Haim 1, East Jerusalem, Israel, 97200
| | - Roger W Byard
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, The University of Adelaide, Frome Road Level 3 Medical School North Building, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
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Cattaneo C, Maderna E, Rendinelli A, Gibelli D. Animal experimentation in forensic sciences: How far have we come? Forensic Sci Int 2015. [PMID: 26216717 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In the third millennium where ethical, ethological and cultural evolution seem to be leading more and more towards an inter-species society, the issue of animal experimentation is a moral dilemma. Speaking from a self-interested human perspective, avoiding all animal testing where human disease and therapy are concerned may be very difficult or even impossible; such testing may not be so easily justifiable when suffering-or killing-of non human animals is inflicted for forensic research. In order to verify how forensic scientists are evolving in this ethical issue, we undertook a systematic review of the current literature. We investigated the frequency of animal experimentation in forensic studies in the past 15 years and trends in publication in the main forensic science journals. Types of species, lesions inflicted, manner of sedation or anesthesia and euthanasia were examined in a total of 404 articles reviewed, among which 279 (69.1%) concerned studies involving animals sacrificed exclusively for the sake of the experiment. Killing still frequently includes painful methods such as blunt trauma, electrocution, mechanical asphyxia, hypothermia, and even exsanguination; of all these animals, apparently only 60.8% were anesthetized. The most recent call for a severe reduction if not a total halt to the use of animals in forensic sciences was made by Bernard Knight in 1992. In fact the principle of reduction and replacement, frequently respected in clinical research, must be considered the basis for forensic science research needing animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Cattaneo
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense Sezione di Medicina Legale Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute Università degli Studi di Milano, V. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - E Maderna
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense Sezione di Medicina Legale Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute Università degli Studi di Milano, V. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - A Rendinelli
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense Sezione di Medicina Legale Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute Università degli Studi di Milano, V. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - D Gibelli
- LABANOF, Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense Sezione di Medicina Legale Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute Università degli Studi di Milano, V. Mangiagalli 37, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Wen Y, Xu C, Wang S, Batra R. Analysis of behind the armor ballistic trauma. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2015; 45:11-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2015.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Pavier J, Langlet A, Eches N, Prat N, Bailly P, Jacquet JF. Experimental study of the coupling parameters influencing the terminal effects of thoracic blunt ballistic impacts. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 252:39-51. [PMID: 25951500 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the study is to better understand how blunt projectile ballistic parameters and material properties influence the events leading to injuries. The present work focuses on lateral thoracic impacts and follows an experimental approach. The projectiles are made with a soft foam nose assembled with a rigid rear plastic part. The dynamic properties of the foams were first determined using the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) system. The impact forces on a rigid wall were then measured to provide reference load data. Lastly, shots were made on isolated thoraxes of porcine cadavers to investigate the response in the vicinity of the impact (wall displacements, rib accelerations and strains, rib fractures). Results show that the severity of the response appears to be mainly correlated with the impulse and with the pre-impact momentum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Pavier
- Nexter - Munitions, 7 route de Guerry, F18023 Bourges Cedex, France
| | - André Langlet
- Univ. Orleans, PRISME, INSA-CVL, EA4229, F45072 Orléans, France.
| | - Nicolas Eches
- Nexter - Munitions, 7 route de Guerry, F18023 Bourges Cedex, France
| | - Nicolas Prat
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), F91220 Brétigny sur Orges, France
| | - Patrice Bailly
- Univ. Orleans, PRISME, INSA-CVL, EA4229, F45072 Orléans, France
| | - Jean-François Jacquet
- DGA-Techniques Terrestres, Rocade est - échangeur de Guerry, F18021 Bourges Cedex, France
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Pavier J, Langlet A, Eches N, Jacquet JF. On ballistic parameters of less lethal projectiles influencing the severity of thoracic blunt impacts. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2013; 18:192-200. [DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2013.789101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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