Lecture 9: sharp force trauma Flashcards
well-defined traumatic separation of tissues, occurring when a sharp-edged or pointed object comes into contact with the skin and underlying tissues.
sharp force trauma
3 types of wounds caused by sharp objects
a. Stab wounds
b. Incised wounds
c. Chop wounds
most common weapon used to inflict sharp force injury on animals
a. Flat-bladed, single-edged, kitchen/pocket/folding knife with a 3 to 5 inch blade
EXAM: characteristics of a stab wound
depth greater than width NO bridging tissue! length of wound can be equal to or greater than the width of knife edges are sharp no abrasions/contusions
typical pattern of a stab wound inflicted by a single-edged knife
V shaped margin with blunt/squared edges
stab wounds look like if either the knife was moved during the stabbing or the victim moved during the stabbing
Y or L shaped lesion
How should stab wounds be documented
a. Location on the body
b. Measurements from a landmark
c. Size and shape of wound
d. Orientation of the wound on the body
e. Associated abrasions or bruising
f. Tissues injured (wound path)
g. Length of wound path
h. Associated findings (ie- hemothorax)
i. Presence of tool marks on cartilage or bone
EXAM: an incised wound
width greater than depth
NO bridging tissue (like with stab wound)
- Where on the body are intentional incised wounds commonly seen?
ventral neck
chop wounds
Caused by heavy instruments or weapons, which have at least one sharp, cutting edge.
incised wound with underlying fx or cut in bone
Axe, hatchet, machete, shovel, etc
sharp force trauma should not be confused with __ which is caused by blunt force trauma
laceration
appearance of stab wound depends on
sharpenss shape angle of thrust movement state of skin
T/F: should be extremely cautious in rendering a specific opinion regarding sharp force trauma
true
T/F: the handedness of the assailant can be determined by the wound alone
false, cannot!
