Forensic Aspects of Trauma Flashcards
What are the mechanisms of injury?
Intensity of force, area over which the force acts, excessive mechanical force
How is injury classified?
Appearance/method of causation, manner of causation, nature of injury
What are examples of blunt force injuries?
ground, foot, fist, weapon
How may blunt force injuries appear?
Contusions, abrasions, lacerations
What factors affect prominence of injuries?
Skin pigmentation, depth and location, fat (increased subcut fat, increased bruising), age, resilient areas, coagulative disorders
What are incised wounds?
Superficial sharp force injuries caused by a slashing motion. Longer on skin surface than it is deep
What are stab wounds?
Penetrating injury resulting from thrusting motion. Wound depth greater than length on surface
What is a passive type of defensive injury?
Victim raises arms and legs for protection
What is an active form of defensive injury?
Victim tries to grab weapon or attackers hand
What are features of self inflicted injuries?
Commonly sharp force
Site of election - wrists, forearms, chest and abdomen
Parallel, multiple and tentative incisions
What are the consequences of injury dependent on?
Type of mechanical insult, nature of target tissue, forces involved or number of impacts
What are the types of skull fracture?
Linear, depressed
What are the features of a traumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage?
Rapid rotation of head = traumatic rupture of vessels at base of brains = immediately unconscious and in cardiac arrest
What is a diffuse axonal injury?
Immediate and prolonged coma with no apparent mass lesion or metabolic abnormality
What is a traumatic axonal injury?
Damaged axons due to trauma
