Pathology of Sharp Force Trauma

The book Pathology of Sharp Force Trauma provides a comprehensive overview of sharp force trauma, including its causes, effects, and interpretation for medico-legal purposes. It covers various aspects of such trauma, such as homicide, suicide, and accident, and includes over 400 full-color graphic and illustrative images to assist in understanding the injuries and their investigation. Written by a renowned forensic pathologist with over 40 years of experience, the book is intended for pathologists, clinicians, medical examiners, police, criminal investigators, attorneys, and legal professionals, as well as anyone interested in trauma and its management.

Format: Hardback
Length: 302 pages
Publication date: 12 July 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Inc

The pathology of sharp force trauma is a comprehensive exploration of the injuries caused by the application of force with a sharp edge or pointed end, encompassing a wide range of objects such as knives, broken glass, scissors, and axes. This type of trauma is particularly prevalent in countries where firearms are not readily accessible, with knives being the most common method of homicide and a frequent cause of morbidity in emergency departments. The book takes a holistic approach to understanding these injuries, covering various aspects such as the cause of death, the manner in which the weapon was used, and the characteristics of the injuries.

Over 400 full-color graphic and illustrative images are included throughout the book to enhance the understanding of the subject matter. It addresses all stages of the investigation, including trauma, crime scene findings, post-mortem examination, and the classification of injuries. The book also provides valuable information on the legal implications of sharp force trauma, particularly in the context of medico-legal purposes.

Sharp force trauma can result in a variety of injuries, depending on the nature and intensity of the force applied. These injuries can be classified into different types, including lacerations, puncture wounds, and fractures. Lacerations involve the tearing or cutting of tissue, while puncture wounds involve the penetration of the skin by a sharp object. Fractures, on the other hand, involve the breaking of bone.

The pathology of sharp force trauma can be influenced by a range of factors, including the type of weapon used, the angle of impact, and the velocity of the object. For example, a knife with a sharp blade and a direct impact at a high velocity can cause severe damage to tissue and result in a significant loss of blood. In contrast, a blunt object such as a hammer may cause less severe damage but may still result in injury or death.

The investigation of sharp force trauma involves a thorough examination of the victim's body, including the trauma site, surrounding tissues, and organs. This examination can help identify the type and severity of the injury, as well as any other contributing factors such as drug or alcohol use. It may also involve the use of forensic techniques such as DNA analysis, fingerprinting, and ballistics to determine the identity of the perpetrator and establish a motive for the crime.

In conclusion, the pathology of sharp force trauma is a complex and multifaceted field that requires a comprehensive understanding of the injuries caused by the application of force with a sharp edge or pointed end. The book provides a comprehensive exploration of this topic, covering all aspects of the investigation, including trauma, crime scene findings, post-mortem examination, and the legal implications of such injuries. By utilizing over 400 full-color graphic and illustrative images, it enhances the understanding of the subject matter and makes it accessible to a wide range of readers, including medical professionals, law enforcement personnel, and students.

Weight: 1088g
Dimension: 264 x 288 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498768627