Rigor Mortis

Question 1

Rigor mortis marks end of muscle cell life

Answer 1

Usually passes within 36-72 hours of death; intense rigor stage causes most problems for embalming

Question 2

Problem: Body absorbs only small amounts of preservative because muscle proteins are tied up in rigor

Answer 2

Treatment: Release rigor; inject stronger solution

Question 3

Problem: Preservative demand greatly increased after rigor passes

Answer 3

Treatment: Saturate tissues with strong solution so preservative can continue to react with muscle proteins

Question 4

Problem: Positioning difficulties

Answer 4

Treament: Break rigor using gentle manipulation & massage

Question 5

Problem: Difficulty setting features

Answer 5

Treatment: release rigor in face by massaging muscles & opening/closing jaw

Question 6

Problem: Muscle contraction puts pressure on vessels = poor fluid distribution

Answer 6

Treatment: Release rigor; trace distribution with fluid dye; don’t preinject

Question 7

Other ways to increase distrbution:

Answer 7

1) . Use restricted cervical or multipoint injection
2) . Start with low pressure & R-O-F, then gradually increase
3) . Inject on pulse mode
4) . Massage tissues
5) . Use coinjection fluids

Question 8

Problem: Muscle contraction puts pressure on vessels = poor drainage

Answer 8

Treatment: break rigor; use massage; use coinjection chemicals; use alternate/intermittent drainage; manipulate pressure & R-O-F

Question 9

Problem: Tissues prone to distention due to torn capillaries caused by releasing rigor, and restriction of distribution in some areas causing fluid to collect elsewhere

Answer 9

Treatment: Release rigor; use restricted cervical (protect face from distention); inject minimum volume of strong solution at low pressure; massage tissues

Question 10

Problem: pH issues cause difficulty preserving tissues effectively

Answer 10

Treatment: Use buffers, saturate tissues with strong solution; release rigor

Question 11

Problem: Tissues may not firm once rigor passes; firmness from rigor may be taken as sign of preservation

Answer 11

Treatment: Use sufficient volumes of strong solution; do not rely on tissue firmness to indicate distribution; use fluid dyes to trace

Question 12

Problem: Difficult to attain uniform preservation/distribution due to differing levels of rigor in different tissues

Answer 12

Treatment: use strong fluids, use other techniques for ensuring distribution/preservation