A 55-year-old pedestrian is brought after a road traffic accident. X-ray shows a 'ring fracture' of the skull base. This fracture pattern results from:

• A Direct blow to the frontal bone causing contre-coup fracture at occiput
• B Basal linear fracture extending from the parietal region due to rapid deceleration
• C Hyperflexion neck injury shearing through the foramen magnum
• D Fall from height landing on feet, transmitting compressive force through spine to skull base ✓

Explanation

Ring fracture (circular fracture around the foramen magnum) results from vertical compression forces transmitted upward through the vertebral column into the skull base — classically seen in falls from height landing on the feet, buttocks, or vertex. The force travels through the spine to the occipital condyles, producing a ring-like fracture circumscribing the foramen magnum. This is distinct from direct blow injuries and is important in accident reconstruction of fall injuries.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.