Analysis of Cutmarks on Bone: Can Light Microscopy Be of Any Help?. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cerutti, Elisa; Spagnoli, Laura; Araujo, Nadezhda; Gibelli, Daniele; Mazzarelli, Debora; Cattaneo, Cristina
• Is Part Of: American journal of forensic medicine & pathology. Volume 37:Number 4(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: forensic anthropology -- forensic anatomy -- sharp-force injuries -- fracture line -- light microscopy -- bone lesions; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic pathology -- Periodicals; 614.105
• DOI: 10.1097/PAF.0000000000000260
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-7910

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: One of the main issues in forensic anthropology consists of the identification of signs of trauma in skeletal remains, including sharp-force injuries. So far, several studies have been performed to assess differences between injuries caused by different instruments, not, however, through light microscopy. In this study, 152 sharp-force injuries were performed by 5 different tools through 2 different orientations on 2 humeral diaphyses and were analyzed by stereo and light microscopy to assess possible morphological differences. This study showed that although W-shaped injuries are frequently reported in cases of wood-cutting saws, other shapes are often observed; lesions due to metal-cutting saws are almost always U shaped, whereas injuries caused by knives are V shaped. Although cut marks may represent a variable range of features, the present study was able to highlight typical profiles that may be of some help for the diagnosis of weapon and the intentionality of the action.