SEMINAR: Fatal falls and broken bones: an anthropological analysis of skeletal trauma using post-mortem computed tomography

Abstract: Falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury and death globally. They are a form of vertical deceleration where each type of fall is a unique and complex event that produces an inimitable form of skeletal blunt force trauma (BFT). Understanding these unique skeletal traumas, both in terms of fracture distributions and morphologies, is of particular interest to forensic anthropologists when understanding the circumstances surrounding a fall event. Research into the skeletal BFT resulting from falls has not been a prominent area of trauma research however, and, subsequently, the skeletal fractures associated with the various types of falls are poorly understood. To augment this deficit, ongoing doctoral research is investigating the skeletal trauma resulting from three common types of fatal falls: high free falls (˃3m), low free falls (≤3m) and falls involving stairs. Using post- mortem computed tomography data in the context of National Coronial Information System documentation, questions regarding the types of fracture distributions and individual fracture morphologies are currently being investigated. It is anticipated this research will establish which fractures and fracture patterns, if any, are unique and representative of these three fall types.

Speaker: Samantha is a doctoral candidate with the Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University. She has previously completed a Bachelor of Arts (Archaeology) with the University of Queensland and a Master of Archaeological Science (Research) (First Class Honors) with the Australian National University. Since 2009 Samantha has been involved with archaeological excavations, osteology research and bioarchaeology teaching projects in Australia, Asia, Europe and Central America.