Three modes of dismemberment: disarticulation around the joints, transection of bone via chopping, and transection of bone via sawing

Abstract

Forensic anthropologists are often asked to consult on sharp force trauma given that sharp force trauma often impacts bone or cartilage. Sharp force trauma analyses may attempt to characterize the defect left in the tissue, the tool that was used to make the defect, and/or how the tool was used. These analyses focus on the residual characteristics (toolmarks) left in the floors and walls of kerfs, or the grooves left behind following an incision. This chapter focuses specifically on sharp force trauma as it pertains to dismemberment or human mutilation. The forensic science literature has a number of ways to classify these types of cases. Generalized dismemberments refer to those with more extensive postmortem mutilation involving multiple anatomical sites that vary with regard to the positioning of the cuts. The three modes of dismemberment are: disarticulation around the joints, transection of bone via chopping, and transection of bone via sawing.

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