Meckel's Diverticulum Injuries after Blunt Trauma.

Background: The complications associated with Meckel's diverticulum (MD) are well-known. However, blunt injuries regarding MD have not been widely described in the literature. This was the reason for undertaking research on MD lesions. Materials and Methods: The materials consisted of 28 cases of damage to MD after blunt trauma published during the years 1921-2022. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The following MD injuries have been identified, starting with the most common isolated perforation of MD, bleeding from the area of MD, perforation of MD with concomitant tearing of the mesentery intestines and bleeding, intussusception of MD, and intramural hematoma of MD with adjacent mesenteric hematoma. Most injuries were caused by a traffic accident, followed by sports, accidents at work, and then violence. Almost all the cases (27) involved men. Several possible mechanisms may contribute to post-traumatic damage to MD. First of all, they are associated with abdominal compression and a secondary increase in intra-abdominal pressure as well as with the action of shearing forces during deceleration. Conclusions: Traumatic MD injuries are differentiated and very rare. They can coexist with other serious injuries to the abdominal organs.

Medicolegal assessment in cases of zygomatico-maxillo-orbital fractures and isolated orbital floor fractures in criminal cases

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of effects equivalent to moderate and severe impairment to health within the meaning of the Penal Code in patients with zygomatico-maxillo-orbital fractures and isolated orbital floor fractures. In addition, the study addressed the possibilities of applying the presented results in the preparation of medicolegal opinions in cases provided for in Articles 158 and 160 of the PC with respect to evaluating the plausibility of inflicting such bodily injuries and causing moderate and severe health impairment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study covered a total of 124 patients operated on in the then Clinic of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical Academy of Lodz, in 1996-2001, because of fractures involving the inferior orbital wall including zygomatico-maxillo-orbital fractures (95 cases) and isolated orbital floor fractures (29 cases). The group was analyzed in a statistical and descriptive manner. RESULTS: All the study patients (100%) with both types of fractures involving the inferior orbital wall exhibit symptoms and disorders which, pursuant to the PC, would constitute at least moderate, or possibly even severe, impairment to health. CONCLUSIONS: Punches or kicks to the orbital region create a real danger of causing both types of orbital fracture under study, and resulting in at least moderate health impairment.

Medical immobilization as impairment of bodily organ functions within the meaning of the Polish Penal Code - consultative problems and a proposal for a method of judicial and medical evaluation.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the paper is analysis of the impact of immobilization treatment of "less severe" motor organ injuries affecting soft tissues on the position of medical experts and court decisions in crimes against health. We also analysed the attitude of courts to expert opinions and present a proposal for a model of judicial and medical opinion in such cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the study, we analysed judgments of the criminal divisions of common courts, in which the use of medical immobilization of a given part of the body or lack thereof could have an impact on the degree of health impairment determined by the medical expert. RESULTS: Some experts consider medical immobilization to be tantamount to an impairment of the function of a body organ, and the courts rarely reject such opinions. For some experts, the key is not the actual function of the immobilized part of the musculoskeletal system after 7 days from injury, but the immobilization treatment itself, and not the time it takes. In addition, experts determine the severity of injuries when immobilization is/is not used. CONCLUSIONS: The degree of health impairment, as defined in the Penal Code, should be determined by a medical check-up carried out 7 days after the injury, with an assessment of its "biological" effects, and not by the use of immobilization treatment and the time for which it is maintained.

Incorrect declaration of death by a physician - a case report

Incorrect declaration of death is not a frequent situation in medico-legal reports, and such cases are usually of great interest. In this study the authors present a case of improper declaration of death by a physician, despite the absence of early definitive signs of death and without a full medical examination. However, the investigation of the case was dropped, and the conduct of the physician was not assessed by experts.

[Tragedy in the Valley Jaworowa: incredible coincidence or perfect murder?]

The paper presents the case of an unexplained and the most mysterious death in the history of Polish Tatra tourism. It concerns three people of different ages and occurred on August 3, 1925 in the Valley of Jaworowa. Kazimierz Kasznica, his son Waclaw Kasznica and a newly discovered mountaineer Ryszard Wasserberger died suddenly for unknown reasons in 15 minutes during a mountain trek. This story is interesting due to the mysterious, simultaneous death of three people of different ages and due to the fact that Waleria Kasznica - the wife of Kazimierz and the mother of Waclaw Kasznica survived the journey. KEY WORDS.