Publications (75)136.34 Total impact
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Article: Welcome to a decade of action that can make a change!
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ABSTRACT: The Journal of Trauma Management and Outcomes welcomes the launch of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011--2020. More than 100 countries around the world will kick off the first global Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011--2020, a decade that we believe can make a change!Journal of Trauma Management & Outcomes 01/2013; 7(1):1. -
Article: Ballistic parameters and trauma potential of pistol crossbows.
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ABSTRACT: Hand-held pistol crossbows, which are smaller versions of conventional crossbows, have recently increased in popularity. Similar to conventional crossbows, life threatening injuries due to bolts discharged from pistol crossbows are reported in forensic and traumatological literature. While the ballistic background of conventional crossbows is comprehensively investigated, there are no investigations on the characteristic ballistic parameters (draw force, potential energy, recurve factor, kinetic energy, and efficiency) of pistol crossbows. Two hand-held pistol crossbows (Barnett Commando and Mini Cross Bow, rated draw force 362.9 N or 80 lbs) were tested. The maximum draw force was investigated using a dynamic tensile testing machine (TIRAtest 2705, TIRA GmbH). The potential energy was determined graphically by polynomial regression as area under the force-draw curve. External ballistic parameters of the bolts discharged from pistol crossbows were measured using a redundant ballistic speed measurement system (Dual-BMC 21a and Dual-LS 1000, Werner Mehl Kurzzeitmesstechnik). The average maximum draw force was 190.3 and 175.6 N for the Barnett and Mini Cross Bow, respectively. The corresponding total energy expended was 10.7 and 11 J, respectively. The recurve factor was calculated to be 0.705 and 1.044, respectively. Average bolt velocity was measured 43 up to 52 m/s. The efficiency was calculated up to 0.94. To conclude, this work provides the pending ballistic data on this special subgroup of crossbows which operate on a remarkable low kinetic energy level. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the nominal draw force pretended in the sales brochure is grossly exaggerated.Deutsche Zeitschrift für die Gesamte Gerichtliche Medizin 12/2012; · 2.59 Impact Factor -
Article: Temporary cavity created by free-flying projectiles propelled from a powder-actuated nail gun.
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ABSTRACT: Nails and driving pins discharged from powder-actuated fastening tools bear some special ballistic characteristics. Compared to the usual pistol or revolver projectiles, the sectional density (S) of fastening pins is extremely high. The general prevailing opinion is that the kinetic energy delivered by fastening tools is not high enough to cause a temporary cavity. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to investigate the wound morphology due to fastening bolts discharged from a powder-actuated direct-acting nail gun (where, in contrast to modern piston-type tools, the expanding gases act directly on the fastener) using ballistic soap blocks as simulants. For test shots, a direct-acting powder-actuated nail gun which features three interchangeable barrels (caliber (cal.) 6, 8, and 10 mm) was used. The average kinetic energy was 537, 532, and 694 J for the 6-, 8-, and 10-mm cal. bolts, respectively. Test shots on the ballistic soap blocks demonstrated that free-flying projectiles discharged from direct-acting fastening tools are able to create a temporary cavity.Deutsche Zeitschrift für die Gesamte Gerichtliche Medizin 07/2012; 126(5):801-5. · 2.59 Impact Factor -
Article: Gene expression profile in bone of diabetes-prone BB/OK rats fed a high-fat diet.
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ABSTRACT: A high-fat diet (HFD) has been recognized as a risk factor for diseases such as dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, obesity, and osteoporosis. However, studies analyzing gene expression after HFD in bone are rare. That prompted us to analyze the expression of selected genes in bone of 4-week-old diabetes-prone B(io)B(reeding) rats. Two breeding pairs were fed a HFD (+10 % tallow) or were fed a normal diet (ND; Ssniff R-Z) before mating and afterward during pregnancy. After the birth of progeny, parents continued to be given HFD or ND until the progeny was weaned (3 weeks). Thereafter, offspring were weaned and were fed the same food as their parents up to an age of 4 weeks. Body weight was measured at an age of 4 weeks, and subsequently 13 HFD rats and 13 ND rats were killed and the tibial bone was harvested to analyze the expression of 53 genes in bone. All rats fed HFD were significantly heavier than rats fed ND after 3 and 4 weeks. The diet also influenced the expression of genes in bone. There were significant differences in 20 out of 53 genes studied between rats fed HFD compared with rats fed ND. Four out of 20 had a lower and 17 out of 20 genes a higher expression in HFD rats, but differences in gene expression showed obvious differences between males and females. There were only two genes that were similarly different between males and females: Bmp4 and Atf4. Two genes, Foxg1 and Npy, were inversely expressed in males and females. It seems that the gene expression is differently regulated by diet during pregnancy and later in life between males and females. Nevertheless, it cannot be excluded that HFD also acts as an epigenetic factor in the development of offspring in utero.Genes & Nutrition 05/2012; · 2.51 Impact Factor -
Article: Nail projectiles propelled by a mason's lacing cord: an experimental approach.
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ABSTRACT: The recent clinical observation of two unintentional penetrating ocular and cerebral injuries due to 90-mm construction nails gave occasion to an experimental study to check the alleged trauma mechanism for plausibility. Both casualties reported that they had attached a mason's lacing cord to the masonry using a nail as anchoring when suddenly the nail was yanked from its moorings and propelled like a missile by the overstretched lacing cord. As to the best of the authors' knowledge, this mechanism of injury has not yet been reported in any of the literature; it was the aim to find an experimental approach to review the plausibility of the alleged sequence of events leading to the accidents. The tensile strength at break and strain at break of different mason's lacing cords (diameter of 1 and 2 mm) were measured according to DIN EN ISO 2062 by using a tensile testing machine. Based on the maximum spring energy of the lacing cords, which was determined 174.9 J for the 1-mm cord (length 10 m) and 747.4 J for the 2-mm cord (length 10 m), the maximum possible velocity of the nails as projectiles was calculated to be 243.5 m/s for the 1-mm cord and 503.4 m/s for the 2-mm cord. The critical elongation a cord of a certain length has to be stretched to deliver enough kinetic energy to a 90-mm nail to surpass the threshold velocity for skin penetration, which was investigated by Sellier (1977) to be approximately 18 m/s, was also calculated. To conclude, the energy delivered by the cords is high enough to surpass the rather low threshold velocity of nails. The details of how these accidents occurred, which seemed questionable at first, can be reasonably explained by trauma biomechanics.Deutsche Zeitschrift für die Gesamte Gerichtliche Medizin 05/2012; · 2.59 Impact Factor -
Article: Spätrekonstruktionen nach Frakturen im Fußbereich
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ABSTRACT: Die Therapie posttraumatischer Fehlstellungen im Fuß- und Sprunggelenkbereich erfordert nach vorausgegangener radiologischer und klinischer Diagnostik ein differenziertes Therapiekonzept, welches neben dem korrigierenden Eingriff auch in einer entsprechenden Nachbehandlung und der Anpassung orthopädischen Schuhwerks zum Ausgleich verbliebener Funktionsdefizite besteht. Es wird ein Überblick über konservative und operative Maßnahmen gegeben. The treatment of post-traumatic malalignment of the foot and ankle requires precise preoperative radiological and clinical examination and adequate corrective surgery, and also thorough after-care including the use of carefully fitted orthopaedic shoes to compensate for persisting functional deficits. An overview of the standard conservative and surgical treatment and after-treatment is given.Trauma und Berufskrankheit 04/2012; 3(3):236-239. -
Article: Accuracy of single-pass whole-body computed tomography for detection of injuries in patients with major blunt trauma.
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ABSTRACT: Contrast-enhanced whole-body computed tomography (also called "pan-scanning") is considered to be a conclusive diagnostic tool for major trauma. We sought to determine the accuracy of this method, focusing on the reliability of negative results. Between July 2006 and December 2008, a total of 982 patients with suspected severe injuries underwent single-pass pan-scanning at a metropolitan trauma centre. The findings of the scan were independently evaluated by two reviewers who analyzed the injuries to five body regions and compared the results to a synopsis of hospital charts, subsequent imaging and interventional procedures. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of the pan-scan for each body region, and we assessed the residual risk of missed injuries that required surgery or critical care. A total of 1756 injuries were detected in the 982 patients scanned. Of these, 360 patients had an Injury Severity Score greater than 15. The median length of follow-up was 39 (interquartile range 7-490) days, and 474 patients underwent a definitive reference test. The sensitivity of the initial pan-scan was 84.6% for head and neck injuries, 79.6% for facial injuries, 86.7% for thoracic injuries, 85.7% for abdominal injuries and 86.2% for pelvic injuries. Specificity was 98.9% for head and neck injuries, 99.1% for facial injuries, 98.9% for thoracic injuries, 97.5% for abdominal injuries and 99.8% for pelvic injuries. In total, 62 patients had 70 missed injuries, indicating a residual risk of 6.3% (95% confidence interval 4.9%-8.0%). We found that the positive results of trauma pan-scans are conclusive but negative results require subsequent confirmation. The pan-scan algorithms reduce, but do not eliminate, the risk of missed injuries, and they should not replace close monitoring and clinical follow-up of patients with major trauma.Canadian Medical Association Journal 03/2012; 184(8):869-76. · 8.22 Impact Factor -
Article: Phenotypic and gene expression differences between DA, BN and WOKW rats.
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ABSTRACT: Because inbred rat strains are widely used as laboratory models, knowledge of phenotypic and genetic variations between strains will be useful to obtain insight into the relationship between different strains. We studied phenotypic traits: of each strain--BN/K, DA/K and WOKW--10 male rats were studied for body weight and serum constituents at an age of 10 and 30 weeks. In addition, a total of 95 rats were studied for life expectancy. At an age of 30 weeks, these male rats were killed by an overdose of anesthetic (Sevofluran, Abbott), and the subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue as well as bone tissue were removed to study the expression of 20 genes. There were significant differences in body weight, serum lipids and leptin at an age of 30 weeks between strains. Regarding life expectancy, BN rats lived longest (1072±228d). The highest gene expression was found in bone of BN rats. In adipose tissues, Nfkb1 is only expressed in subcutaneous adipocytes, and 5 genes, Col2a1, Mmp9, Tnfa, Ins1 and Cyp24a1, are not expressed in adipocytes. The ranking BN = DA>WOKW was observed in only one gene in subcutaneous (Fto) and visceral adipocytes (Col6a1). There were no significant differences in gene expression of one gene in subcutaneous adipocytes and of 3 genes in visceral adipocytes. Comparing the gene expression in visceral and subcutaneous adipocytes, only one gene showed a comparable behavior (Bmp1). From these results, it can be concluded that obvious phenotypic differences are caused by genetic differences between three rat strains, BN, DA and WOKW, as supported by gene expression studies in bone and adipose tissues. Especially BN rats can be used to study the genetic basis of long life.PLoS ONE 01/2012; 7(6):e38981. · 4.09 Impact Factor -
Article: International benchmarking of tertiary trauma centers: productivity and throughput approach.
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ABSTRACT: Care process in tertiary trauma centers consists of a chain of care phases in different departments from the emergency department (ED) to post-operative rehabilitation. The historical evolution of healthcare systems and organizations has led to variations in trauma patient processes in different countries. The present study is aimed at revealing differences in the throughput and productivity of trauma patient processes between German (UKB) and Finnish (HUS) tertiary trauma centers. Problems related to the comparison of different healthcare systems were also identified. The share of patients discharged was used as a control measure. The biggest differences between the hospitals were found in the use of resources in the ED and in post-operative care. Despite problems in defining comparable patients and resources, ED productivity was significantly higher in UKB. Post-operative care was, on average, 41% shorter in HUS. However, the share of patients discharged was significantly higher in UKB (96.5% vs. 68.9%). Differences were also found in the pre-operative length of stay of patients with proximal femoral fractures (UKB: 0.97 days, HUS: 1.57 days). The productivity of the operating unit was quite similar in the hospitals. In terms of ED mortality, no statistically significant differences were found. The results of the present study showed significant differences in the use of resources and throughput times in trauma patient processes between Finnish and German hospitals. However, due to system-level differences between German and Finnish healthcare, the results cannot be directly transformed into development proposals for the organizations. On the other hand, in spite of certain differences regarding the healthcare systems, the demographic data of the trauma patients and medical procedures are comparable. Based on the present study, the ED process of severe trauma, pre-operative care, and operating unit processes were the most comparable parts of trauma care between the hospitals. The study also showed that the international benchmarking approach could be used to reveal bottlenecks in system-level policies and practices.Journal of Trauma Management & Outcomes 08/2011; 5:10. -
Article: Sturdivan's formula revisited: MRI assessment of anterior chest wall thickness for injury risk prediction of blunt ballistic impact trauma.
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ABSTRACT: The thickness and composition of the chest wall are important quantities in multiparametric trauma models for the assessment of injury severity due to blunt ballistic chest impact. While ballistic parameters of non-penetrating projectiles can routinely be measured with high accuracy, data on the thickness of the anterior chest wall is unreliable. Therefore, it is the aim of this work to provide data on the thickness and composition of the anterior chest wall based on MRI examinations of healthy volunteers and to compare these measurements with different empirical estimation rules for the chest wall thickness. The study encompassed consecutive male patients from an ongoing population-based cohort study. Each subject underwent standardized whole-body MRI (1.5Tesla). Thickness of total chest wall (CWT) and of adipose tissue (AT) were measured by two independent readers at ten anatomic locations on two cross-sectional planes over the centre of the left ventricle and over the tracheal bifurcation. For each subject, chest wall thickness was estimated based on ten different empirical estimation rules and percent errors were calculated. The study encompassed 250 male volunteers (average age 55.5 years, range 21-84 years, SD 13.6 years). Mean intraclass correlation coefficient of the two readers was 0.90 (range 0.59-1.0, SD 0.08). Average CWT was 31.2mm (range 17.3-51.6mm, SD 5.8mm) while average thickness of AT was 13.1mm (range 3.6-26.7mm, SD 4.6mm). Relative adiposity was 0.41 on average (range 0.19-0.61, SD 0.09). There was significant correlation between CWT and body weight and between CWT and body mass index. Sturdivan's approximation formula showed strong correlation with the measured values (percent error 3.58%, SD 16.26%). In this population, Sturdivan's equation formula which is based on the individual's body weight provides valid approximation values for the chest wall thickness and may be used for the optimal design of protective devices and personal body armor as well as for the development of anthropomorphic based test methodologies.Forensic science international 06/2011; 212(1-3):110-4. · 2.10 Impact Factor -
Article: Ballistic parameters and trauma potential of direct-acting, powder-actuated fastening tools (nail guns).
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ABSTRACT: Since their introduction in the 1950s in the construction and building trade, powder-actuated fastening tools (nail guns) are of forensic and traumatological importance. There are countless reports on both accidental and intentional injuries and fatalities caused by these tools in medical literature. While the ballistic parameters of so-called low-velocity fastening tools, where the expanding gases act on a captive piston that drives the fastener into the material, are well known, ballistic parameters of "high-velocity" tools, which operate like a firearm and release the energy of the propellant directly on the fastener, are unknown. Therefore, it was the aim of this work to investigate external ballistic parameters of cal. 9 and 6-mm fastening bolts discharged from four different direct-acting nail guns (Type Ideal, Record Piccolo S, Rapid Hammer R300, Titan Type 1). Average muzzle velocity ranged from 400 to 580 m/s, while average kinetic energy of the projectiles ranged from 385 to 547 J. Mean energy density of the projectiles ranged from 9 to 18 J/mm(2). To conclude, this work demonstrates that the muzzle velocity of direct-acting high-velocity tools is approximately five times higher than the muzzle velocity of piston-type tools. Hence, the much-cited comparison to the ballistic parameters of a cal. 22 handgun might be understated and a comparison to the widespread and well-known cal. 9 mm Luger might be more appropriate.Deutsche Zeitschrift für die Gesamte Gerichtliche Medizin 05/2011; 126(2):217-22. · 2.59 Impact Factor -
Article: Acute inversion injury of the ankle without radiological abnormalities: assessment with high-field MR imaging and correlation of findings with clinical outcome.
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ABSTRACT: Acute inversion injuries of the ankle are the most common sports accidents, accounting for approximately 10% of emergency room admissions. In up to 85%, an injury of the lateral collateral ligaments is observed. Classically, the assessment of these injuries has relied on clinical examination and radiographs, including stress views. The aim of our study was to correlate prospectively the findings of high-field 3 T MRI in acute ankle distortion with clinical outcome. During a 6-month period, 38 patients were prospectively included. MRI was performed within 48 h of trauma and clinical examination using a protocol consisting of axial T2-weighted and coronal and sagittal T1-weighted images and a sagittal proton density (PDw) sequence. Each ligament injury was graded on a three-point scale. Functional outcome was evaluated using the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale. In 24/38 patients (63.12%), ligament injury was observed. In 22/24 cases, this was an injury of the lateral ligaments and in 2/24 cases of the medial ligaments. Injury of the syndesmosis occurred in three patients, a bone bruise in four, and an osteochondral lesion in three cases. Patients with an injury of two or more ligaments or a bone bruise had a lower AOFAS score and returned to sports activities and full weight-bearing later (P < 0.01). MR imaging at 3 Tesla is an independent predictor for clinical outcome. Therefore MRI may be beneficial in those cases where the findings influence further treatment.Skeletal Radiology 04/2011; 40(4):423-30. · 1.54 Impact Factor -
Article: When backyard fun turns to trauma: risk assessment of blunt ballistic impact trauma due to potato cannons.
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ABSTRACT: Although potato cannons are an area of great interest among internet users, they are almost completely unknown in the medical community. These simple ballistic devices are made from plastic plumbing pipes and are powered with propellant gas from aerosol cans. By combustion of the gas-oxygen mixture, a high pressure is produced which propels the potato chunks through the barrel. It is the aim of this study to investigate the hazardous potential of these shooting devices. Test shots were performed using three illegally manufactured potato cannons that were confiscated by police authorities. Velocity, impulse, kinetic energy, and energy density were calculated. The risk of head and chest injuries was investigated by using Sturdivan's Blunt Criterion (BC), an energy based five parametric trauma model assessing the vulnerability to blunt weapons, projectile impacts, and behind-body-armor exposures. The probability of lethality due to blunt impact trauma to the chest was assessed using Sturdivan's lethality model. For potential head impacts, all test shots far exceeded the critical BC (head) value which corresponds to a 50% risk of skull fracture. The risk of injury with regard to chest impacts was similar. All but two test shots far exceeded the critical BC (chest) value corresponding to a 50% risk of sustaining a thoracic skeletal injury of Abbreviated Injury Scale 2 or 3. The probability of a lethal injury due to blunt chest impact was as high as 20%. To conclude, this work demonstrates that potato cannons should be considered dangerous weapons rather than as toys used by adventurous adolescents.Deutsche Zeitschrift für die Gesamte Gerichtliche Medizin 01/2011; 126(1):13-8. · 2.59 Impact Factor -
Article: Response to: Huber-Wagner S, et al. Response to: Stengel D, Frank M, Matthes G, et al. Primary pan-computed tomography for blunt multiple trauma: can the whole be better than its parts? [Injury 2009; 40(Suppl. 4):S36-46. Injury 2010 Mar 11 [Epub ahead of print]].
Injury 12/2010; 41(12):1328-9. · 1.98 Impact Factor -
Article: Blunt Criterion trauma model for head and chest injury risk assessment of cal. 380 R and cal. 22 long blank cartridge actuated gundog retrieval devices.
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ABSTRACT: Blunt ballistic impact trauma is a current research topic due to the widespread use of kinetic energy munitions in law enforcement. In the civilian setting, an automatic dummy launcher has recently been identified as source of blunt impact trauma. However, there is no data on the injury risk of conventional dummy launchers. It is the aim of this investigation to predict potential impact injury to the human head and chest on the basis of the Blunt Criterion which is an energy based blunt trauma model to assess vulnerability to blunt weapons, projectile impacts, and behind-armor-exposures. Based on experimentally investigated kinetic parameters, the injury risk of two commercially available gundog retrieval devices (Waidwerk Telebock, Germany; Turner Richards, United Kingdom) was assessed using the Blunt Criterion trauma model for blunt ballistic impact trauma to the head and chest. Assessing chest impact, the Blunt Criterion values for both shooting devices were higher than the critical Blunt Criterion value of 0.37, which represents a 50% risk of sustaining a thoracic skeletal injury of AIS 2 (moderate injury) or AIS 3 (serious injury). The maximum Blunt Criterion value (1.106) was higher than the Blunt Criterion value corresponding to AIS 4 (severe injury). With regard to the impact injury risk to the head, both devices surpass by far the critical Blunt Criterion value of 1.61, which represents a 50% risk of skull fracture. Highest Blunt Criterion values were measured for the Turner Richards Launcher (2.884) corresponding to a risk of skull fracture of higher than 80%. Even though the classification as non-guns by legal authorities might implicate harmlessness, the Blunt Criterion trauma model illustrates the hazardous potential of these shooting devices. The Blunt Criterion trauma model links the laboratory findings to the impact injury patterns of the head and chest that might be expected.Forensic science international 11/2010; 208(1-3):37-41. · 2.10 Impact Factor -
Article: Proper estimation of blood loss on scene of trauma: tool or tale?
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ABSTRACT: Visually estimated amount of blood loss may influence decision making in the prehospital setting. The purpose of this study was to determine the ability and accuracy of paramedics and emergency physicians to visually estimate a volume of external blood loss and the influence of different vital signs. In a prospective, blinded, observational design, participants were asked to visually estimate the amount of blood in six simulated trauma scenarios. Casualties were provided with a simulated injury, and a certain amount of artificial blood that was poured on the casualties' clothing and on the floor. In addition, vital signs (i.e., blood pressure and heart rate) were given. Each two moulage patients were provided with the same injury pattern and the same simulated blood loss. Although one patient seemed to be normovolemic, the other seemed to be hypovolemeic by the given vital signs. With regard to all given amounts of blood loss, providing vital parameters suggesting instability (i.e., low blood pressure, high heart rate) led to a higher estimation of the lost blood volume in both paramedics and emergency physicians. However, estimations were influenced impressively by the given parameters. For both stable and unstable patients, small actual volumes were overestimated, whereas higher volumes tended to be underestimated. Neither occupational status (emergency physician or paramedic) nor gender or level of experience influenced accuracy of estimated blood loss significantly.The Journal of trauma 11/2010; 69(5):1191-5. · 2.48 Impact Factor -
Article: Small change, big impact: prevention of vole captive bolt device hand injuries.
The Journal of trauma 08/2010; 69(2):478. · 2.48 Impact Factor -
Article: Trauma potential and ballistic parameters of cal. 9 mm P.A. dummy launchers.
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ABSTRACT: Blank cartridge actuated dummy launching devices are used by migratory bird hunters to train dogs to retrieve downed birds. The devices create a loud noise while simultaneously propelling a hard foam dummy for retrieval. A newly developed dummy launcher is based on a modified cal. 9 mm P.A. blank handgun with an extension tube pinned and welded to the barrel imitation. Currently, there are no experimental investigations on the ballistic background and trauma potential of these uncommon shooting devices. An experimental test set-up consisting of a photoelectric infrared light barrier was used for measurement of the velocity of hard foam dummies propelled with an automatic dummy launcher. Ballistic parameters of the dummies and an aluminium sleeve as improvised projectile (kinetic energy (E), impulse (p), energy density (E') and threshold velocity (v(tsh)) to cause penetrating wounds as a function of cross-sectional density (S)) were calculated. The average velocity (v) of the dummies was measured 25.71 m/s exerting an average impulse (p) of 3.342 Ns. The average kinetic energy (E) was calculated 43.04 J with an average energy density (E') of 0.069 J/mm(2). The average velocity (v) of the aluminium sleeves as improvised projectiles was measured 79.58 m/s exerting an average impulse (p) of 2.228 Ns. The average kinetic energy (E) of the aluminium sleeves was calculated as 88.70 J with an average energy density (E') of 0.282 J/mm(2). The energy delivered by these shooting devices is high enough to cause relevant injuries. The absence of skin penetration must not mislead the emergency physician or forensic expert into neglecting the potential damage from these devices.Forensic science international 07/2010; 200(1-3):108-11. · 2.10 Impact Factor -
Article: Accidental circular saw hand injuries: trauma mechanisms, injury patterns, and accident insurance.
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ABSTRACT: Hand injuries due to circular saws are a common reason for patients seeking medical care in emergency departments. With respect to cases of insurance fraud, these injuries are of medico-legal interest. It is the aim of this study to investigate the critical circumstances of the incidents, the accident mechanism, and the specific injury patterns of circular saw related hand injuries with regard to accident insurance coverage. Circular saw related hand injuries for the years 1999 through 2007 were followed-up and assessed in detail. Type, severity and pattern of the injury were assessed. An accident analysis investigated characteristic of the activities, of the saws, of the stock/cutting material, operational activities of the operators prior to/at the time of the incident, and detailed information on the insurance status. The follow-up study encompassed 114 patients. A majority of these were covered by private or statutory accident insurances. Compensation payments were made in all cases. All lesions involved one hand, mainly the left non-dominant hand. Thumb and index were at highest risk for injury. One-finger injuries occurred mainly at the middle or distal phalanx. With increasing number of affected fingers, the level of the injury moved closer to the proximal phalanx. A majority of injuries occurred during do-it-yourself activities. Among blade contact injuries, the so-called kickback-mechanism was at highest risk. Positive circumstantial indications of a self-inflicted injury, which are often cited in the literature are less conclusive for the medico-legal decision finding. The detailed anatomic description of any lesions and the alleged accident mechanism as initially described by the patients in the emergency setting is the basis for any later accident reconstruction.Forensic science international 05/2010; 198(1-3):74-8. · 2.10 Impact Factor -
Article: Noise trauma induced by a mousetrap--sound pressure level measurement of vole captive bolt devices.
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ABSTRACT: While ballistic parameters of vole captive bolt devices have been reported, there is no investigation on their hazardous potential to cause noise trauma. The aim of this experimental study was to measure the sound pressure levels of vole captive bolt devices. Two different shooting devices were examined with a modular precision sound level meter on an outdoor firing range. Measurements were taken in a semi-circular configuration with measuring points 0 degrees in front of the muzzle, 90 degrees at right angle of the muzzle, and 180 degrees behind the shooting device. Distances between muzzle and microphone were 0.5, 1, 2, 10, and 20 m. Sound pressure levels exceeded 130 dB(C) at any measuring point within the 20-m area. Highest measurements (more than 172 dB[C]) were taken in the 0 degrees direction at the 0.5-m distance for both shooting devices proving the hazardous potential of these gadgets to cause noise trauma.Journal of Forensic Sciences 03/2010; 55(3):774-8. · 1.23 Impact Factor
Top co-authors
Top Journals
Institutions
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1999–2012
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Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin
- Zentrum für Klinische Forschung
Berlin, Land Berlin, Germany
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2001–2010
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Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Universität Greifswald
- Abteilung für Unfall- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie
Greifswald, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany -
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Berlin, Land Berlin, Germany
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2002
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St. Agnes Hospital
Bocholt, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
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