[Postmortem injury--an impressive postmortem phenomenon that can lead to diagnostic errors].
A single skull from a 6-year-old child was sent to the Anthropological Institute of the University of Zürich. It bore a considerable bone lesion in the frontal area. Closer inspection revealed that it was a postmortal lesion, resulting from the skull chafing on the river bottom whilst drifting in running water. The postmortal change, the so-called "Treibverletzung" (drift injury), is characteristic for bodies that are recovered from rivers or stillwater. A recent case from the Medical Examiners' Office from the same geographic area as the child, showed the same features of the "Treibverletzung". Since it is known from the recent case where it was found, it becomes clear that even small rivers can cause characteristic postmortal injuries.
Langenegger
Elisabeth
E
Anthropologisches Institut der Universität Zürich. elange@aim.unizh.ch
Lanz
Christian
C
D002648:Child; D003334:Coroners and Medical Examiners; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005624:Frontal Bone / Q000293:injuries*; D049670:History, 17th Century; D006801:Humans; D007101:Immersion; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D045483:Rivers; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000266:history*; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000266:history*