Scanning electron microscopy analysis of experimental bone hacking trauma

The authors report on their macro- and microscopy study of bone lesions made by a sharp force instrument (a single blade knife), and a sharp-blunt instrument classified as a chopping weapon (a hatchet). The aim of this work was to attempt to identify the instrument by analyzing the general class cha...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of forensic sciences Vol. 50; no. 4; p. 796
Main Authors Alunni-Perret, Veronique, Muller-Bolla, Michèle, Laugier, Jean-Pierre, Lupi-Pégurier, Laurence, Bertrand, Marie-France, Staccini, Pascal, Bolla, Marc, Quatrehomme, Gérald
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.07.2005
Subjects
Femur - injuries
Femur - pathology
Forensic Anthropology
Humans
Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
Wounds, Penetrating - pathology
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Summary:The authors report on their macro- and microscopy study of bone lesions made by a sharp force instrument (a single blade knife), and a sharp-blunt instrument classified as a chopping weapon (a hatchet). The aim of this work was to attempt to identify the instrument by analyzing the general class characteristics of the cuts. Each weapon was used on human bones. The results indicate that macroscopic analysis is more problematic. The microscopic analysis assessed that characteristics examined were effective in distinguishing sharp from sharp-blunt injury to the bone. The microscope facilitates analysis unachievable with macroscopic methods, some three-dimensional characteristics not visible to the naked eye being clearly defined with its use. Emphasis has been placed on the value of SEM as an anthropologist's tool in bone lesion injuries.
ISSN:0022-1198
DOI:10.1520/jfs2003213