Neck injury patterns resulting from the use of petrol and electric chainsaws in suicides. Report on two cases

Carlo Moreschi; Ugo Da Broi; Sirio Cividino; Rino Gubiani; Gianfranco Pergher

doi:10.1016/j.jflm.2014.04.004

Neck injury patterns resulting from the use of petrol and electric chainsaws in suicides. Report on two cases

J Forensic Leg Med. 2014 Jul:25:14-20. doi: 10.1016/j.jflm.2014.04.004. Epub 2014 Apr 29.

Authors

Carlo Moreschi¹, Ugo Da Broi², Sirio Cividino³, Rino Gubiani³, Gianfranco Pergher³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, Section of Forensic Medicine, University of Udine, Italy.
² Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, Section of Forensic Medicine, University of Udine, Italy. Electronic address: ugo.dabroi@uniud.it.
³ Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Section of Agricultural Engineering, University of Udine, Italy.

PMID: 24931855
DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2014.04.004

Abstract

Suicides due to neck injuries caused by chainsaws are uncommon events. The cutting elements of petrol and electric chainsaws produce different features in lethal neck injuries. The accurate evaluation of the death scene, of the power and mechanical characteristics of the chainsaw and of wound morphology are all essential in distinguishing a case of suicide.

Keywords: Electric chainsaw; Neck injuries; Petrol chainsaw; Suicide.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Cervical Vertebrae / injuries
Cervical Vertebrae / pathology
Electric Power Supplies
Equipment Design
Forensic Pathology
Forestry / instrumentation*
Gasoline
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Neck Injuries / etiology
Neck Injuries / pathology*
Suicide*
Wounds, Penetrating / etiology
Wounds, Penetrating / pathology*
Young Adult

Substances

Gasoline