Rabl,W.; Haid,C.; Katzgraber,F.; Walser,B.; We report on a 52-year-old man who committed suicide by jumping in a 380 cm long rope with a diameter of 12 mm. The loading forces resulted in complete decapitation. Our biomechanical experiments show that traction-forces of about 12000 Newton lead to complete decapitation irrespectively of the diameter of the used halter. The biomechanical results made it possible to show the possible fall-hights in dependence upon bodymass and distance of negative acceleration “s” graphically. [Read More]

Rabl,W.; Ennemoser,O.; Tributsch,W.; Ambach,E.; Two cases of gastric rupture as a rare complication of balloon tamponade for esophageal varices are presented. In both cases, the rupture was caused by instillation of irrigation fluid without previous aspiration of stomach contents. In an experimental study, the stomachs of 11 corpses were filled with water to determine rupture pressure and volume. The mean rupture pressure was 73 +/- 13 mm Hg (9.7 +/- 1. [Read More]

Willauschus,W.G.; Kladny,B.; Beyer,W.F.; Gluckert,K.; Arnold,H.; Scheithauer,R.; STUDY DESIGN. This study analyzed anatomic characteristics of the alar ligaments and the possibility of imaging them with magnetic resonance imaging. Also determined was whether artificial ruptures of the alar ligament can be recognized experimentally. OBJECTIVE. To determine the ability of magnetic resonance imaging to visualize normal, torn, resected alar ligaments. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA. There are no studies about computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging findings of alar ligaments and after anatomic sections. [Read More]

Zehethofer,K.; Ambach,E.; Scheithauer,R.; Allele frequency distribution of the single-locus system YNH 24 (n = 302), G3 (n = 251), MS 43A (n = 333), and MS 31 (n = 333) was determined in Western Austria. After digestion with Hinf I, electrophoresis and Southern blotting, the genomic DNA was hybridised with the probes YNH 24, G3, MS 43A, and MS 31. Blood samples were taken from 333 unrelated caucasians living in the area of Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria. [Read More]

Ropohl,D.; Scheithauer,R.; Pollak,S.; A case of postmortem animal scavenging by a domestic golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is presented. A 43-year-old woman, who was not under medical treatment, was found dead in her flat with the lower part of her body naked and her legs straddled. Her face showed extensive lesions of the soft tissues which the medical examiner interpreted as vital scalping injuries. The total findings at the scene suggested at first a sexual offence. [Read More]