Head impact biomechanics simulations: a forensic tool for reconstructing head injury?

This paper describes a computer simulation method, which is used widely in engineering design and accident investigation reconstructions, which could constitute a valuable forensic tool for investigating cases of head impact injury and skull fracture. This method, the finite element method, relies on knowing the physical properties and strength of biological materials, including cranial bone and neural tissue, and on having evidence of the extent of head injuries in order to deduce causative forces. This method could help forensic pathologists to infer causes of skull fracture and to determine whether probable causes of fracture were accidental or intentional.