Whiplash Injury of Liver- A Case Report Based on Hypothesis of Sudden Deceleration Producing Complete Transection of Liver

Datta, Arijit; Goswami, Dhara; Shukla, Srushti; Galoria, Darshan; Rana, Pradip; Moondra, Poorvi

doi:10.21608/ejfsat.2024.304631.1335

Whiplash Injury of Liver- A Case Report Based on Hypothesis of Sudden Deceleration Producing Complete Transection of Liver

Document Type : Case Reports

Authors

¹ Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Pramukhswami Medical College & Sri Krishna Hospital, Bhaikaka University, Karamsad

² Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Science, Kacch University, Bhuj Gujarat

³ Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Pramukhswami Medical College & Sri Krishna Hospital, Bhaikaka University,Karamsad Gujarat

⁴ Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Pramukhswami Medical College & Sri Krishna Hospital, Bhaikaka University, Karamsad Gujarat

⁵ MBBS Student, Government Medical College, Kota, Rajasthan, India

10.21608/ejfsat.2024.304631.1335

Abstract

Background: Injuries to internal organs are common in road traffic accidents. Autopsy surgeons frequently encounter damage to the vital organs of the abdomen during postmortem examination. The abdominal wall is a robust structure that transmits the impact force to the liver, stomach, intestine, or spleen, causing rupture of these organs. In cases of a blunt impact force, the abdominal muscles may also produce bruises in their muscle layers. However, severe injury to the internal organs of the abdomen without any injury to the muscular layers of the abdomen is rare. Methodology: The current study reports on an instance of a road traffic accident in which the liver was completely separated without sustaining any injuries to the anterior abdominal wall. Results: This document highlights a distinctive pattern of liver injury resulting from sudden deceleration forces without any direct impact on the abdominal wall, which is commonly referred to as whiplash. Conclusion: Severe injuries to the vital organs of the abdomen can occur without any direct blunt or sharp-force trauma to the abdominal wall. These injuries can develop as a result of sudden acceleration or deceleration.

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