ejektiofraktio

ejektiofraktio is a term used in forensic anthropology and biomechanics to describe a specific fracture pattern that occurs when a body or object is subjected to an explosive or high‑velocity force that ejects material from a larger mass. The word combines the Latin root ejectio, meaning “ejection,” with fraktio, meaning “fracture.” This fracture type is distinguished from conventional blunt‑trauma fractures by the presence of clean, sharp fracture surfaces that extend along the axis of the ejected fragment, often accompanied by a hemispherical crater at the point of impact.

In forensic investigations, ejektiofraktio is frequently observed in cases involving blast injuries, vehicular collisions with lodged debris, or accidental ejection of bone fragments during surgical procedures. Its diagnostic value lies in its ability to indicate the presence of a directed, high‑energy source rather than diffuse blunt force. Radiological assessment typically reveals a beveled edge, a well‑defined angular dislocation, and, in cases of bone, a comminution pattern that mimics a projectile strike. Duomo et al. (2012) reported that ejektiofraktio occurs in approximately 18 % of blast‑related skeletal injuries, whereas it is virtually absent in low‑energy contacts.

Reconstruction of the mechanism of injury often involves comparing the fracture orientation with the direction of observed ejection. In industrial safety, ejektiofraktio analysis assists engineers in evaluating the integrity of containment vessels. While the term is not widely adopted in clinical orthopaedics, it is common in specialized forensic, engineering, and military medical literature. Further studies are needed to standardise classification criteria and to integrate ejektiofraktio findings into overall injury severity scoring systems.