Fracture propagation in the human cranium: a re-testing of popular theories

Bone trauma interpretation is an important area of forensic anthropology. Notwithstanding the recent realization of the validity of fracture pattern interpretation, knowledge of trauma is largely based on case studies and older experimental work. Gurdjian and coauthors conducted a number of studies on blunt force fracture propagation that are still used today. Fracture propagation was noted to initiate in an area other than the point of impact, then radiate back toward it. Gurdjian's results are often used to suggest that the point of impact is at a location other than the fracture epicenter. This study is an examination and retesting of Gurdjian's theories of fracture propagation using current biomechanics research and technology. Specifically, the relationship of impact site and fracture patterning was tested using cadaver heads. The results demonstrate that fractures radiate from the point of impact, contrary to the theories of Gurdjian.