Occupational deaths due to penetrating chest injuries from sledgehammer fragments: two case reports and review of the literature

Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 2004 Mar;25(1):71-3. doi: 10.1097/01.paf.0000113861.84245.5b.

Abstract

Occupational deaths due to projectiles from hand tools are rare. We report 2 unusual cases of individuals killed by metallic projectiles produced by the fragmentation of the head of a sledgehammer. At initial examination, these wounds appear similar to atypical gunshot or stab wounds. Proper evaluation requires radiographic examination, scene correlation, and, when possible, comparison of metallic fragments retrieved at autopsy and tools from the scene.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Occupational*
  • Adult
  • Aorta, Thoracic / injuries*
  • Aorta, Thoracic / pathology
  • Foreign Bodies / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung Injury*
  • Male
  • Metals
  • Middle Aged
  • Wounds, Penetrating / pathology*

Substances

  • Metals