Cartilage: a new parameter for the determination of the postmortem interval?

Abstract

The determination of the time of death or the postmortem interval (PMI) is one of the most important and frequently asked questions in forensic medicine. The methods used for PMI determination are based largely on early and late postmortem changes. The determination of the PMI during the late postmortem changes is based primarily on a subjective assessment and is less precise due to the lack of objective methods. Different studies have presented a gradual decrease in chondrocytes' viability but these researches did not answer the question whether we can use the decrease of chondrocytes' viability for an objective PMI determination. The structure and anatomical location of the cartilage together with its mechanical, physical and chemical properties enable chondrocytes to survive for several weeks after the individual's death, and give cartilage the attributes of a compartment. Therefore, cartilage could be a new parameter for PMI determination. This idea had been partially confirmed by a few in vitro studies. The next step in testing this idea should be an extensive in corpore study.

Keywords: Articular cartilage; Chondrocytes viability; Compartment; Forensic pathology; In vitro study; Postmortem interval.