Differential diagnosis between cranial fractures of traumatic origin and explosion fractures in burned cadavers

Interpreting the damages on a cadaver which has been exposed to the action of fire is a challenge for the forensic pathologist. The finding of a burned body gives in fact the opportunity to make a series of inquiries which deal with the whole medical–legal practice.In our case, the victim has been hit over the head with a blunt object and has been then carbonized.The medical–legal problems implied lie in the definition of the exact manner and cause of death, and therefore in the analysis of vital, perimortal and postmortal injuries, as to formulate a differential diagnosis between the former traumatic originated and the latter caused by combustion.