NCJ Number
118049
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 34 Issue: 2 Dated: (March 1989) Pages: 381-390
Date Published
1989
Length
10 pages
Annotation
Motor vehicle collisions can cause a variety of injuries in pedestrians and vehicle occupants.
Abstract
Fatal and nonfatal trauma to the upper cervical spine, that is, atlanto-occipital junction, atlas and axis, can be part of this spectrum. Certain distinctive injuries (for example, "hangman's fracture") which occur result from the unique anatomic structure of this area and the various disruptive forces such as extension, distraction (tension), compression (axial loading), shear, and inertia generated during collision. Correlation of autopsy findings or radiological information of these cervical injuries or both with scene investigation can be informative not only in the determination of morbidity and mortality, but also in the assessment of injury mechanisms and improvements in occupant protection. (Author abstract)