Sharp Force Trauma - Lecture 18

Question 1

What is Sharp Force Trauma defined as?

Answer 1

a narrowly focused, dynamic, slow-speed compressive force with a sharp object

Question 2

Are incisions made by stone thinner or thicker than incisions made by metal? Why would this fact have any forensic relevance?

Answer 2

• stone makes thinner incisions
• meaning if the incision was made by a stone tool its unlikely to have any forensic relevance

Question 3

How would you classify an incision?

Answer 3

• very narrow
• gradually tapered v shape meaning the ends are smaller
• caused by slashing motions

Question 4

What are striations?

Answer 4

• lines etches into the bone caused by the blade
• run parallel to the direction of applied force
• can indicate direction or movement of the blade

Question 5

What is a puncture?

Answer 5

penetrating wounds that compress the outer table of the cranium and completely penetrate the diploe and captures the shape and size of the object

Question 6

Will the incisions always be fatal?

Answer 6

no and you should check for signs of healing to be sure

Question 7

How can heavy sharp weapons create blunt force characteristics?

Answer 7

• blades like machetes, swords, or axes can leave BFT features
• can create hinge fractures, wastage, and radiating fractures

Question 8

What is a cleft?

Answer 8

deep and wide v shape wound to the bone that is usually indicative of a heavy sharp weapon

Question 9

What is wastage?

Answer 9

removal of bone from inside of the cleft
removal of a heavy bladed imbedded object

Question 10

What are the steps of SFT wound analysis?

Answer 10

1. wound description
   - placement on skeleton
   - wound type and size
2. instrument characteristics
   - type and blade
3. direction of force
4. number of traumatic events
5. sequence of events
6. other miscellaneous things