Forensic science international
-
Three cases of missile injury to the neck are reported, two homicides and one suicide. In two fatalities, the autopsy revealed contusion of the spinal cord due to direct missile injury of the cervical spine but without laceration of the spinal dura. ⋯ The lack of vital signs such as blood aspiration, which was expected because of the injury of the pharynx, also indicates immediate occurrence of death owing to a reflex mechanism in this case. The underlying reflex mechanisms are discussed in the light of clinical experience in the treatment of paraplegics as well as the findings in experimental contusion and transection of the cervical cord.