Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 1991 Sep; 12(3): 194-9.

Medicoritual trephinations in modern Israel.

Hershkovitz I, Levi B, Hiss J, Arensburg B.

Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.

Two recent cases of ritual trephinations that were revealed during regular autopsies are described. The osteologic findings are discussed in relation to hospital craniotomy and ancient trephination, and the forensic practitioner is offered a set of criteria to differentiate properly between trephination and craniotomy.