Postmortem recognition and specimen fixation in early congenital and experimental limb deformities

A method is recommended that facilitates the postmortem assessment of early stages of congenital or experimental paralytic and postural limb deformities, which otherwise are difficult to demonstrate on small specimens. One of the early signs detectable is change in the range of passive movements in the limb, and for its fine and objective assessment it is recommended that limb weight and gravity be used. Any disturbance of the original in vivo shape and position of the extremity during fixation of the postmortem specimen is prevented by suspension and free floating in the fixation fluid.