Biokinetics of Traumatic Aortic Rupture in a Pedestrian: Insights from an Autopsy Case Report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/jfmt.2026.43.03.27Keywords:
Traffic accidents, Pedestrian injuries, Traumatic aortic rupture, BiokineticsAbstract
Traumatic Aortic Rupture (TAR) is one of the leading causes of death, next to traumatic brain injury in occupants of vehicles, traditionally linked to high-velocity impacts. TAR among pedestrians is increasing due to a rise in encounters with over speeding and high-speed vehicle. Understanding the risk factors and trauma kinetics will help in the prevention of fatalities. This is a case of a 66-year-old male, a pedestrian, who was hit by an over speeding car from his side. Autopsy findings revealed a transverse rupture of the ascending aorta with minimal external injuries and traumatic brain injury. The aorta rupture is likely to result from a combination of compression forces, shearing stress, and the water hammer effect. The presence of head injuries and aortic rupture highlights the unpredictable injury patterns in such collisions and underscores the potential role of biomechanical susceptibilities. Clinically, this case stresses the importance of vigilance for internal thoracic injuries in survivors of pedestrian against vehicular accidents, even when external trauma appears negligible. TAR remains a complex, multifactorial injury and requires continued interdisciplinary research to comprehend its mechanisms.
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