At autopsy of a body subjected to prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation, multiple rib fractures, sternal fractures and subcutaneous emphysema are noted. These injuries are best classified as:
- A Postmortem artefacts of therapeutic intervention ✓
- B Antemortem injuries sustained during the assault
- C Agonal injuries from terminal struggle
- D Putrefactive changes mimicking trauma
Correct answer: A. Postmortem artefacts of therapeutic intervention
Explanation
Rib and sternal fractures, pulmonary haemorrhage, subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema, and visceral lacerations are well recognised artefacts of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. They occur around the time of death and lack vital reaction, so they are classified as postmortem artefacts of therapeutic origin rather than true antemortem injuries. Distinguishing them matters because they may otherwise be misinterpreted as assault injuries. Putrefaction does not produce fractures, and agonal injuries require a different mechanism.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (K.S. Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.
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