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Related Experiment Videos

How should the chest wall be opened at necropsy?

J E C Walker1, G N Rutty, B Rodgers

  • 1Department of Forensic Pathology, The Medico-Legal Centre, Watery Street, Sheffield S3 3ES, UK.

Journal of Clinical Pathology
|February 5, 2002
PubMed
Summary

The electric saw is the safest instrument for opening the chest wall during necropsy, producing the smoothest rib ends and reducing injury risk. Rib shears create the most dangerous, sharp rib ends.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic pathology
  • Anatomical pathology

Background:

  • Opening the chest wall during necropsy is a common procedure.
  • The instruments used can create sharp rib ends, posing an injury risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare instruments used for chest wall incision during necropsy.
  • To determine if any instrument reduces sharp rib end production and injury potential.

Main Methods:

  • Chest walls were opened using randomly assigned instruments: hand saw, electric saw, rib shears, and bread knife.
  • Rib end texture, spray production, and organ damage were recorded.
  • Data on age, weight, sex, and height were collected.

Main Results:

  • Sixty-seven percent of bony rib ends were rough, varying by instrument.

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  • Rib shears yielded the most rough ends; the electric saw produced the smoothest.
  • Spray occurred only with the electric saw; organ damage was highest with the bread knife.

    • Conclusions:

    • The electric saw is the most effective instrument for creating smooth rib ends, minimizing injury risk.
    • Rib shears produce the most hazardous rib ends.
    • Instrument choice involves balancing efficacy with operator experience and safety.