Description
Book SynopsisPathology of Sharp Force Trauma illustrates and details sharp force trauma as seen in forensic pathology case work as well as in the clinical setting, outlining how one informs the other in interpreting such trauma for medico-legal purposes.
For the purposes of discussion, the author defines sharp force trauma as: The application of force to produce an injury which results in a clear division or separation of the skin and underlying tissues. Sharp force trauma may be caused by all manner of implements with a sharp edge and/or pointed end, whether or not they have been produced for use as a weapon, and includes knives, broken glass, scissors and many others, to name but a few. Certain tools, such as axes or machetes, combine a sharp edge with heavy weight and produce injuries with both sharp and blunt impact elements.
In many countries, with the exception of those where firearms are readily available, sharp force traumaparticularly the use of knivesis the
Table of Contents
1 Introduction, Scope and Historical Perspectives 2 Knife Crime ・ Epidemiology, Impact on the Community and Legislation 3 Types of Knives and the Dynamics of Sharp Force Trauma 4 Scene Examination in Cases of Sharp Force Trauma 5 The Post-Mortem Examination in Sharp Force Trauma Deaths 6 Patterns of Wounding and Demographic Factors in Homicidal and Other Sharp Force Assaults 7 Morphology of Sharp Force Injuries and Type of Implements Responsible for Causing Them 8 Sharp Force Trauma ・ Regional Location and Consequences of Injury 9 Defence Injuries 10 Intentional Self-inflicted Injuries 11 Accidental Injuries Including Injuries from Animals 12 Post-Mortem Injuries, the Effects of Putrefaction and Artefacts 13 Iatrogenic, Needlestick and Other Related Sharp Force Trauma 14 Presentation of Evidence and Issues Arising in Court in Sharp Force Trauma Cases
