NCJ Number
214146
Date Published
2006
Length
72 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses three types of blunt force injury to the skin and internal organs--contusion, abrasion, and laceration--along with bone fractures.
Abstract
A contusion (bruise) involves bleeding into the skin, tissues under the skin, or organs. The severity of a bruise depends largely on the intensity and location of the impact that caused the injury. Other factors include the age and physical condition of the victim. The author describes the type of bruise likely to be caused by the impact of various types of instruments. Computer produced overlays or transparencies have been successfully used to compare injury patterns with the design of the instrument that caused the bruise. An abrasion is a scrape that involves removal of the superficial layers of skin. Rarely does it involve tissue under the skin, muscle, or bone. Abrasions can be caused by rubbing across a rough surface, friction caused by the movement of a rope across skin, handcuffs, and other forms of binding. Bleeding into the surrounding tissue typically indicates that the victim was alive at the time of injury. A laceration is a tear produced by blunt trauma. Typical lacerations occur in the head due to the underlying supportive skull. The force of the impact and its direction determine the appearance and depth of the wound, along with associated injuries, such as fractures. Other blunt force injuries discussed are skeletal fractures and injuries, primarily to the skull; injuries by medical treatment and resuscitation; and injuries from biting. Some potential causes of death from blunt force trauma discussed are fat embolism and air embolism. Extensive photographic exhibits and 18 references