i had a unique case of high tension electrocution which was presented to autopsy with an amputated arm
can any one explain the mechanism of amputation? is it because of increased temperature at the point of contact?
Hello Dr. Kumaran
Yes it is because of increased temperature at the point of contact and it can be explained in this way:
The heat which is produced due to the flow of current within an electric wire, is expressed in Joules. Now the mathematical representation or explanation of Joule’s law is given in the following manner.
1) The amount of heat produced in current conducting wire, is proportional to the square of the amount of current that is flowing through the circuit, when the electrical resistance of the wire and the time of current flow is constant.
i.e. H = i2 (When R & t are constant)
2) The amount of heat produced is proportional to the electrical resistance of the wire when the current in the circuit and the time of current flow is constant.
i.e. H = R (when i & t are constant)
3) Heat generated due to the flow of current is proportional to the time of current flow, when the resistance and amount of current flow is constant.
i.e. H = t (when i & R are constant)
Regards from Argentina
Dr. Herbstein
thank you Dr. Herbstein.
in my case the victim had fallen on to a high voltage transformer. what happened in your case( photo)
In the photo case, the guy was stealing a high voltage wire, then he fall and the cable tangle around his thigh, wrist and neck, his right hand was amputated.
Hope I have been helpful
Best Regards
Jorge
thank you dr Jorge for sharing your experience with us
with regards
Dr Kumaran M
It is because of conversion of electrical energy into heat energy with formula H=I2RT
where I is current
R is resistance which is produced on the body
T is time of exposure
Clinically it is possible if the current travels along the major blood vessels and cuts off the blood supply .
I´m agree with Dr. Hayman that current travels along the major vessels because the low blood electric resistance, that is the way reaches the central nervous system and the heart and cause death because of respiratory and circulatory failure.
But in the cases we are discussing here (post mortem amputations) the mechanism is because of increased temperature at the point of contact.
Drear Dr. Lucero
You can see the answer here:
https://www.researchgate.net/post/How_can_I_confirm_a_case_of_electrocution_if_there_are_no_external_electrical_injury_marks
Best wishes
Dear Dr. Kumaran,
I have seen "amputation" in cases of electrocution especially in the accidents that happen on the overhead power line.
Dr. Herbstein gave you the explanation of how this phenomenon works, nevertheless, if you want there is a chapter on "Knight's Forensic Pathology" book.
Best Regards,
Enrico
Obviosly, as you can see in the article published in "Cuad. Med Forense nº 51. Jan 2008"
Thank you Dr. Martinez-Garcia, a very interesting article published in "Cuad. Med Forense nº 51. Jan 2008".
But I belive that are substantial diferences between permanent sequels as a result of the injuries suffered by an accident by electricity of high tension and postmortem amputation due to high tension electrocution.
As you can see in the attached photo, the right hand was amputated associated with deep burns in the neck, all postmortem injuries.
Regards
Herbstein
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