Forensic investigation of cranial injuries due to blunt force trauma: current best practice

Elena F. Kranioti

93 citations0/0 files storedResearch and Reports in Forensic Medical Science

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Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies Autopsy Techniques and Outcomes Child Abuse and Related Trauma

Abstract

Abstract: Blunt force trauma is one of the most common injuries encountered by the forensic pathologist in a variety of scenarios such as transportation fatalities, jumping or falling from heights, blast injuries, and being struck by firm objects. Blunt force injuries located in the cranium are often associated with the cause of death which makes their examination of vital importance in the medicolegal investigation of death. This article aims to review the existing knowledge on the mechanism of cranial blunt force injuries and the associated fracture patterns in order to facilitate the interpretation of such injuries in skeletonized or heavily decomposed bodies where soft tissue is no longer available. Current developments on theory and practice are also discussed. Despite the evidenced progress made in the past decades, trauma analysis in medicolegal settings remains a very challenging task, especially in the absence of soft tissue. It is thus imperative to work toward developing repeatable and scientifically acceptable methods with known error rates, in order to meet the increasing demands of the judicial system on the admissibility of evidence and expert witness testimony. Keywords: cranial trauma, blunt force trauma, forensic anthropology, fracture, cranial injuries

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References

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2020Evaluating the evidentiary value of the analysis of skeletal trauma in forensic research: A review of research and practice 2019Bioarchaeological field analysis of human remains from the mass graves at Phaleron, Greece 2022Average thickness of the bones of the human neurocranium: development of reference measurements to assist with blunt force trauma interpretations 2019An investigative strategy for assessment of injuries in forensic anthropology 2018V iolence in paradise: C ranial trauma in the prehispanic population of G ran C anaria ( C anary I slands)

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