Fatal exsanguination following complete transection of femoral vessels due to angle grinder injury in an industrial accident

• Published in: Journal of forensic sciences 2023-05, Vol.68 (3), p.1073-1076
• Main Authors: P, Siva Sai Kumar, Jadav, Devendra, Vempalli, Seshagiri Raju, Meshram, Vikas P., Kanchan, Tanuj
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Accidents, Occupational; Adult; angle grinder injury; autopsy; Exsanguination - mortality; Fatal Outcome; Femoral Vein - injuries; femoral vessels injury; forensic pathology; Grinding mills; Humans; industrial accident; Lower Extremity - injuries; Male; Rotating disks; safety regulations; Thigh; Wounds, Penetrating
• ISSN: 0022-1198; 1556-4029
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15241

Angle grinders are one of the most dangerous and frequently used tools in industrial settings. Angle grinder injuries range from superficial cuts to deep penetrating injuries with underlying fracture‐dislocation and vascular trauma. The injuries caused by angle grinders mostly involve the head, face, or upper limbs, while the lower limb is an unusual site. The high‐speed rotating disc of the angle grinders does not respect anatomical boundaries or structures; therefore, the injuries caused may be disfiguring, permanently incapacitating, or even fatal. We report a fatal case of an angle grinder injury to the lower limb. The victim sustained a sharp cut over the left thigh while woodworking in an industrial setup. The rotating disc of an angle grinder had transected the skin, subcutaneous fat and muscles, and both the femoral vessels of the left side, which led to fatal exsanguination within 10 min of the incident.