Fracture propagation in the human cranium: A re‐testing of popular theories

Abstract

Bone trauma interpretation is an important area of forensic anthropology. Notwithstanding the recent realization of the validity of fracture pattern interpretation, knowledge of trauma is largely based on case studies and older experimental work. Gurdjian and coauthors conducted a number of studies on blunt force fracture propagation that are still used today. Fracture propagation was noted to initiate in an area other than the point of impact, then radiate back toward it. Gurdjian's results are often used to suggest that the point of impact is at a location other than the fracture epicenter. This study is an examination and retesting of Gurdjian's theories of fracture propagation using current biomechanics research and technology. Specifically, the relationship of impact site and fracture patterning was tested using cadaver heads. The results demonstrate that fractures radiate from the point of impact, contrary to the theories of Gurdjian.

How hard is hard enough? An investigation of the force associated with lateral blunt force trauma to the porcine cranium

“…It has previously been shown that rigid restraint of specimens during impact testing alters the stress distribution which results in a greater amount of fractures occurring as well as more fractures occurring remote to the site of impact [17,25,36]. The suspension system utilised in this study allowed for the free movement of the head after impact, limiting the chance of false fractures occurring due to restraint and thus ensuring that any trauma inflicted upon the specimen was due specifically to the impact.…”

The Role of Interface on the Impact Characteristics and Cranial Fracture Patterns Using the Immature Porcine Head Model

“…The premise, however, should be validated in future experiments with the use of high‐speed videography to document fracture initiation, as carried out recently by Kroman et al. in impact studies on the adult human skull.…”

“…Defining the mechanics of fracture for the pediatric head has been of interest to researchers in automobile safety as well as forensics. In contrast to a multitude of experimental studies using adult cadaver specimens , there exist few experimental studies of head injury using human pediatric tissue and pediatric head forms .…”

Fatal cranial injury in an individual from Messina (Sicily) during the times of the Roman Empire

“…4 The lesion on the left parietal bone shows a pattern characteristic of a blunt force trauma, with radiating fracture lines from the point where the skull was struck. 59 The 3D CT reconstruction of the cranium reveals a smooth preponderant texture and a regular outline (Fig. 10b).…”