In this Through the Lens case, we examine the death of a 28-year-old male found beneath a 160-foot drop. Dr. Jamie Elifritz explores how postmortem CT findings can confirm—or challenge—fall from height as the true mechanism of injury.
Case 2025.01
Case: A 28-year-old male was found below a bridge with a 160-foot vertical drop, with evidence suggesting he jumped.
Question: What are the findings and how do they confirm or refute the proposed mechanism of injury?
Learning Point
Skeletal injuries confirm the mechanism of injury.
The pattern of skeletal trauma supports the mechanism of a fall from significant height:
- Bilateral calcaneal fractures—commonly known as “Lover’s fractures” or “Don Juan fractures”, a classic indicator of high-impact falls onto the feet. (Images A & B).
- Compression fractures of the spine, consistent with axial loading forces from vertical impact. (Images C & D).
Red arrows throughout the images denote key pathologic findings.
