[Self-mutilation as insurance fraud].

Abstract

The case of a self-amputation of the left-sided forefinger is presented. It was an isolated smooth amputation near the basic ankle of the finger without any accompanying injury of other fingers. The victim (a physician) claimed financial compensation from his accident-insurance; his contract included special disability taxes for finger injuries. However, the insurance company did not pay but was able to demonstrate--by means of a medico-legal reconstructive expertise--that the amputation was voluntary and self-inflicted. The argumentation concerning self-mutilation is presented (including the so-called execution-position of the finger and ergonometric aspects). Concerning the surgical care, intervention and diagnostic procedures a detailed documentation of the case history and the morphology of the injury pattern are recommended (especially in isolated finger-amputations of the non-working hand.