Hinge Fracture of the Skull in a Non-motorcyclist Pedestrian: Autopsy Findings and Biomechanical Analysis- a Case Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/jfmt.2026.43.03.24Keywords:
Case report, Hinge fracture, Motorcyclist fracture, High-Velocity Impact, AutopsyAbstract
Background: Hinge fracture is a rare type of basilar skull fracture that typically occurs during high-velocity impacts, particularly when the victim's chin or the side of their head experiences severe blunt force trauma. It has traditionally been called the "Motorcyclist fracture" because of its frequent occurrence among motorcycle riders in road traffic accident cases. However, many find this label misleading, as such fractures can also be seen in other instances of high-velocity trauma such as pedestrian accidents, falls from significant heights, etc.
Case detail: This report discusses a tragic road traffic incident involving a child pedestrian under the age of 10 who sustained a severe traumatic brain injury along with a complete transverse fracture at the base of the skull after being struck by a high-speed tractor. The fracture line traverses the middle cranial fossa from one petrous ridge to the opposite petrous ridge, passing through the Sella turcica, effectively dividing the skull into anterior and posterior halves.
Conclusion: A hinge basilar fracture of the skull is a rare type of injury that signifies a very specific kind of severe head trauma. While minor accidental falls may result in simple, linear fractures, basilar hinge fractures indicate application of substantial and severe forces. Nevertheless, this injury type has a distinctive forensic signature due to its unique pattern, specific mechanism, and high mortality rate.
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References
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