title: Fractures of the base of the skull in charred bodies--post-mortem heat injuries or signs of mechanical traumatisation?
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.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bohnert
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rost
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Faller-Marquardt
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ropohl
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pollak
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009027:Mortuary Practice; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D019291:Skull Base / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology