ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Falling from a distance is an important issue worldwide, which happens in different ages, genders and circumstances. It is usually not considered a medicolegal case in many countries hence no autopsy is performed. This study focused on analyzing injuries sustained in victims of falling in relation to different distances of fall. METHODS: Retrospective study of 352 autopsy reports of falling victims brought to the forensic pathology department at Jordan University Hospital during the period from January 1990 to March 2016. RESULTS: Among 352 cases, 256 (72.7%) were males and 96 (27.3%) were females. 303 (86.1%) cases showed accidental fall, 31 (8.8%) were suicidal, 2 (0.6%) were homicidal and un-clarified death in 16 (4.5%). Time of death was directly proportionate with the distance of fall. Victims fell from distances less than 3â¯m were 123 (35%), most of them were children less than 7 years 50 (40.5%) and unemployed adults more than 45 years were 48 (39.1%). They showed multiple abrasions (62.6%), few contusions (64.2%) and absent laceration of the skin (84.5%). Victims fell from distances of 3-9â¯m were 123 (35%), most of them were male workers 56 (60.2%). They showed multiple abrasions (63.5%), few contusions (71%) and few lacerations of skin (50.5%). Victims fell from distances more than 9â¯m were 136 (38.6%), most of them were male workers 71 (52.2%) and female servants 23 (17%). They showed few abrasions (80.9%), multiple contusions (64.7%) and few lacerations of skin (48.5%). The number of fractured limbs increases obviously with distances more than 3â¯m. Skull vault fractures were found in all distances, while skull base fractures showed in distances of 3-9â¯m and more than 9â¯m. Head injury was the most common fatal injury in all distances. Chest injuries were prominent mainly in distances more than 3â¯m. While abdominal injuries were mainly prominent in distances more than 9â¯m. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the effect of different distances of fall in causing different types of injuries in falling fatalities. Internal injuries were in a direct proportion with distances of fall, while external injuries showed a great importance in interpretation of the way of fall.
