Year: 1983 Source: Journal of Forensic Science, v.28, no.1, (January 1983), p.255-262 SIEC No: 19860259

During emergency thoracotomy, an artifactual injury complex consisting of laceration, abrasion, and, rarely, contusion may be formed by application of a surgical instrument called a ‘rib spreader’. Six cases demonstrating this confusing injury are presented, and its formation is discussed.