Two bodies are found outside the car following an accident. The doctor conducting the autopsy was able to decide who was driver based on all of these features except:
(A) Whiplash injury (B) Steering wheel imprint (C) Sparrow foot marks (D) Seat belt abrasion over left shoulder
(C) Ans: C.Sparrow foot marks(Ref Reddy 34/e p263, 33/e p281)Sparrow footmarks:* Occur in both driver as well as passengers.* Does not differentiate between driver & passenger.* Multiple punctuate lacerations of lace produced. - Due to shattering of windscreen glass into multiple small cubical fragments with relatively blunt edges. - Hence, also windshield glass injury. Motor Vehicle Injuries:Car (Four-wheeler) Injuries:Whiplash injuryAcute hyperflexion followed by hyperextension of neck due to violent acceleration or deceleration force.Applied to (front seat) passenger (passenger >Driver)Steering wheel impact type injuryOccurs due to sudden stop of car, throwing forward the driverThroat crushed across top of steering wheel or horn ring (Occurs inSeat belt syndromeContusion,laceration,perforation & avulsions of small intestine, omentum, & mesenteryThere may be rupture of abdominal aoa, spleen, liver, pancreas, Hinge fractureSkull base fracture running along the petrous ridges through sella turcica, i.e.Ladder tearsMultiple transverse intimal tears in aoa, adjacent to main rupture.