Forensic Aspects of Trauma Flashcards
Definition of injury
damage to any part of the body due to the application of mechanical force
Types of methods of causation of injury
abrasion contusion laceration incised wounds gunshot wounds burns
What are blunt force injuries caused by?
Impact with blunt object
What is a contusion/bruise?
Burst blood vessels in the skin
What is an abrasion (graze/scratch)?
Scraping of the skin surface
most superficial injury
What is a laceration?
Cut/tear - tear/split of the skin due to crushing
Factors that affect prominence of bruises
Skin pigmentation = fair skin is easier to spot
Depth and location = occurs more readily over loose skin e.g. eyebrows, scrotum
Fat = increased fat means bruise more easily
age = children and elderly bruise more easily
resilient areas = buttocks and abdomen bruise less easily
coagulative disorders = e.g. haemophilia, VW disease bruise more easily
The consequences of an injury depend on….
Type of mechanical insult
nature of target tissue
forces involved
number of impacts
