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                            Library & Multimedia
 An unusual blunt force trauma pattern and mechanism to the cranial vault: Investigation of an atypical infant homicide
NCJ Number
              305598
Journal

*Journal of Forensic Sciences* Volume: 68 Issue: 1 Dated: 2022 Pages: 315-326
Author(s)
          Carolyn V. Isaac;
                        Jered B. Cornelison;
                        Clara J. Devota;
                        Brandy L. Shattuck;
                        Rudolph J. Castellani
Date Published

2022
Length
              12 pages
Annotation
              This case report presents an unusual fracture pattern in the cranium of a four-month-old infant indicative of child abuse.
Abstract
              Upon postmortem examination, the infant presented with numerous bilateral linear cranial fractures running perpendicular to the sagittal suture with depressed and curvilinear fractures apparent on the supra-auricular surfaces of the cranium. Histological evidence indicates multiple traumatic events to the cranium. In addition, the stair-step pattern of a parietal fracture may represent multiple contiguous fractures from repeated loading of the head at different times with variation of the focal points of compressive force. Additionally, the left humerus, left radius, and left ulna have healing metaphyseal fractures, and the left ulna also has an antemortem diaphyseal fracture which resulted in the distal autopsy, anthropological, and neuropathological reports for this case suggest multiple inflicted injury episodes with a repeated atypical mechanism(s) to the cranial vault of the infant. During investigative interviews, the caretaker admitted to squeezing the infant's head and neck on multiple occasions to quiet the child. This reported abusive mechanism is consistent with the pattern of symmetric cranial fractures and soft tissue injuries indicating asphyxiation. This case report provides forensic investigators with a potential trauma mechanism to explore in cases when a similar pattern of cranial trauma is observed and highlights the need for greater research on fracture propagation and fracture healing in the infant cranium. (Publisher abstract provided)
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        2017-DN-BX-0166


  
  
        
  Agencies
        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Research (Applied/Empirical)


  
  
        
  Award
        Investigations on the Cellular and Morphologic Characteristics of Cranial Vault Fracture: Research and Development of a Time Since Fracture Protocol and Database
    
  
  
Date Published: January 1, 2022
    
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Related Datasets
        
                      https://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR38054.v1
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      PatentsRelated Topics
        
                Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes
        Early childhood (0-4)
        Forensic sciences
        Child (under 12)
        Autopsies



  
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