A proclaimed accidental fall of an infant-an experimental case reconstruction study

The differentiation between a non-accidental injury and injuries resulting from accidents, such as falls to the ground or onto various objects, is a challenge not only for forensic experts but also for all clinicians caring for children. The forensic-biomechanical analysis of accidents in infants aims at the assessment of the loading characteristics based on the reconstruction of the particular incident. It includes an evidence-based analytical comparison between the actual injuries presented and the injuries that should be expected as a result of the proclaimed accident. With the help of kinematical and dynamical parameters of the described actions and the resulting loading situations, the forensic-biomechanical analysis can assess the plausibility of the proclaimed course of the event and thus contribute to the differentiation between accidental and non-accidental injuries. The quality of such a forensic-biomechanical expert opinion depends on the accuracy and quantity of available data regarding biomechanical tolerance of tissues, organs, and body parts. Case-specific measurements can contribute significantly to the insight of the kinematics and dynamics of the proclaimed event, its feasibility, etc. The present article demonstrates, based on one case report, the potential as well as the limits of such an analysis of proclaimed accidental fall injuries.