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The distinction between falls and blows is a common and difficult task in forensic sciences. One of the most often used criteria to address this issue is the hat brim line (HBL) rule, which states that fall-related injuries do not lie above the HBL. Some studies, however, have found that the use of HBL rule is not so relevant. This study assesses the aetiologies, the number of fractures, and their location on the skull and the trunk in a sample of 400 individuals aged 20–49 years, which were CT scanned after traumas. This may facilitate the interpretation of such injuries in skeletonized or heavily decomposed bodies in which soft tissues are no longer available. Our aim is to improve the distinction rate between falls and blows by combining several criteria and assessing their predictability. Skeletal lesions were analysed using retrospective CT scans. Cases selected comprise 235 falls and 165 blows. We registered the presence and the number of fractures in 14 skeletal anatomical regions related to the two different aetiologies. We showed that the HBL rule should be used with caution, but there is nevertheless a possibility of discussing the aetiology of blunt fractures. Possibly, parameters like the anatomical location and the number of fractures by region can be used to distinguish falls and blows.

Lors de l’analyse toxicologique de certaines expertises médicolégales, dans de rares cas, aucun milieu biologique conventionnel n’est disponible en post-mortemet seuls les vêtements peuvent être utilisés. Nous présentons le cas d’un squelette retrouvé partiellement dévêtu sous une dalle de béton. Le magistrat ayant refusé l’analyse des restes osseux, les vêtements ont été transmis au laboratoire pour expertise toxicologique. Les scellés contenaient un blouson, un reste de pantalon avec une ceinture et deux morceaux de tissu non identifiés. Des pièces de 3×3cm ont été découpées au niveau des zones susceptibles d’avoir été en contact avec le revêtement cutané ou les fluides corporels : une au niveau du col de la veste, deux au niveau de la braguette du pantalon, une au niveau de l’entre-jambe. Enfin, trois pièces ont été découpées dans les morceaux de tissu non identifiés. Un screeningest effectué par UPLC-MS/MS après extraction liquide-liquide en milieu alcalin. Les analyses ont montré la présence de tiapride, venlafaxine et tramadol au niveau du col de la veste, et de tiapride et tramadol au niveau de la braguette. L’analyse des autres pièces de tissus s’est avérée négative. Selon les informations recueillies par les enquêteurs, la victime ne suivait pas de traitement particulier et les molécules identifiées pourraient avoir contribué au décès. En conclusion, dans le cas présent, l’analyse des vêtements a permis de documenter une absorption ante-mortemde médicaments psychoactifs. Le screeningréalisé dans les pièces de tissu peut donc permettre, lorsqu’aucun autre milieu biologique n’est disponible, de recueillir des informations nécessaires au bon déroulement de l’enquête, et les textiles peuvent être considérés comme une matrice alternative.

The authors performed a biometric analysis of the femoral patellar groove in fetus and compared their findings with those observed in adults. Forty-four formalin-preserved fetuses were studied (13-38 weeks). Digitalized images were used to obtain measurements (α angle of the groove, trochlear slopes L and M). A comparison of means of independent samples between our series and adults was performed. For each angle of the distal epiphysis (α, L, M) there was no significant difference between this fetal series and adults. This is the first biometry of the fetal patellar groove. The morphology of the lower femur appears to be the same in fetus and adults. The results of this study suggest that the anatomic characteristics of the patellar groove could have been integrated into the genome during the course of evolution. This would be in favor of a genetic origin of patellar groove dysplasia.

In forensic cases where human remains are heavily decomposed or skeletonized, it has been proven that the advice of an anthropologist can be helpful. In recent years, forensic anthropology has become increasingly important also in trauma analysis. Skeletal trauma is divided into five main categories according to trauma mechanisms: blunt-force trauma, sharp-force trauma, high velocity trauma, blast trauma and thermally induced trauma. The mode of occurrence of the fractures seems more complex with respect to that generated by a blunt force mechanism (direct blows or falls). The aim of this preliminary study is to test whether the type of fractures and their distribution on the skeleton can allow us to give information on their etiology. The data under analysis are CT scans of individuals with polytrauma using the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) of the North Hospital of Marseille, with manufacturer's dedicated software, using a multi-criteria approach. Statistical tests were done in order to identify the specific combination of fracture patterns to their etiology.