Forensic Aspects of Trauma

Question 1

What can excessive mechanical force cause?

Answer 1

Compression
Traction
Torsion
Tangential (shearing)

Question 2

Classification of injury

Answer 2

Appearance or method of causation
Manner of causation
Nature of injury

Question 3

Appearance or method of causation

Answer 3

Abrasion
Contusion
Laceration
Incised wounds
Gunshot wounds
Burns

Question 4

Manner of causation

Answer 4

Suicidal
Accidental
Homicidal

Question 5

Nature of injury

Answer 5

Blunt force
Sharp force
Explosive

Question 6

Blunt force injuries

Answer 6

Caused by impact with blunt object (ground, fist, foot, weapon)
Contusions (bruises)
Abrasions (graze, scratch)
Lacerations (cut, tear)

Question 7

Factors affecting prominence

Answer 7

Skin pigmentation
Depth and location (more readily over loose skin)
Fat (more => bruise more easily)
Age
Resilient areas
Coagulative disorders

Question 8

Sharp force

Answer 8

Injury caused by any weapon with sharp cutting edge
Incised wounds (slashing)
Stab wounds (thrusting)

Question 9

Defensive type injuries

Answer 9

Blunt and sharp force
Passive - victim raises arms and legs for protection
Active - victim tries to grab weapon or attacker’s hand

Question 10

Traumatic SAH

Answer 10

Due to rapid rotational movement of head, usually as the result of a single punch to jaw/ upper part of neck or side of head
Sudden unexpected twisting movement
Immediately unconscious and in cardiac arrest

Question 11

Other types of injury

Answer 11

Burns
Firearms injuries
Explosions