Blunt Force Injuries

Abrasions
Bite marks
Bone fractures
Bruises
Lacerations

Abrasion
The outermost layer of skin is removed because of
downward frictional force applied to the skin.
The injury may exhibit a characteristic pattern indicating
contact with a specific object.
These injuries are often seen in conjunction with bruises
and lacerations.
The direction of force may be determined by the
accumulation of tissue at one edge of the abrasion.
Scratches (linear, curvilinear abrasions): long, narrow
abrasions made by fingernails, thorns, or cat claws.
Grazes (brush-type abrasions): wider abrasions made
by
flat, wall-like surfaces, table edges, or road surfaces.

Bite Mark
Human
Animal

Bite Mark
This is a significant injury pattern
with sexual assault, homicide,
battery, child abuse, and elder abuse.
These injuries have unique
characteristics and can be matched
to the dentition of the individual who
created bite.
Consider antibiotic prophylaxis and
tetanus vaccination.

Human
Two opposing U-shaped oval (elliptical) or
circular arched bruise patterns are seen.
Superficial abrasions are single or double;
mixed abrasions/bruises are common.
Bite marks are frequently seen in child abuse,
sexual assault, and domestic violence cases.
Child bite marks are generally smaller than
adult bite marks.
Avulsion injuries are rare.
See Rule of Three

Animal
Oblong, V-shaped, deep lacerations
are seen.
These are often multiple-site
injuries.
Avulsion injuries are generally from
larger animals.

Bone Fracture
Documentation should be limited to
the existence, appearance, and
placement of bone fractures.
For interpretation, consult an
orthopedic or forensic specialist.

Bruises
Discoloration of skin results from the
tearing of small blood vessels that causes
bleeding into the subcutaneous tissue.
A bruise is also called a contusion.
This injury is exclusively the result of a
traumatic event.
Coloring depends on the depth,
amount of fat, lighting, health status,
degree of force used, type of object used,
and age of the injury.

 Distribution of bruises is significant.

Abrasion near a contusion indicates the point where forces
were applied. Contusion/bruise alone cannot indicate the
exact point of contact.
A bruise resolves depending on the quantity of blood
originally released, the effectiveness of the local circulation,
the location on the body, and the individuals age and
general physical activity.
Avoid estimating the age of the bruise!
Bruises are accentuated by some diseases (hemophilia,
leukemia, scurvy), medications (prednisone, aspirin, some
antidepressants), and medical treatments (advanced cardiac
life support, respirators, transfusions).