[Decollement as initial collision injury (author's transl)].

Decollement is considered a classical indication of a run-over injury. Injury, however, also occurs in erect bearing with the initial collision mechanism. Non-selected material of 180 fatal pedestrian/car accidents was subject to study. Among 106 lateral accidents there were 52 accidents with collation which alone or in conjunction with fractures marked the location of the primary impact. Of 51 dorsal accidents subcutaneous undermining was established in 20 accidents. Resulting pockets were localized on the lower leg, thigh, and in the region of the pelvis. They were brought about by the way tangential stripping force, exerted by the sheet-metal fittings on the front of the vehicle, acts. Unlike, with run-over injuries the initial collision injury is smaller and not so conspicuous on external inspection. Frequently, it is only determined after the legs and back of the trunk had been fully dissected. Incisions questionable points are not adequate. Decollement is a useful finding in reconstructing fatal pedestrian accidents. Storage and maceration of bones to determine the directin of impact is only necessary in exceptional cases.