ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 6

Cyanoacrylate Adhesive Technique in Wound Edge Approximation
Prahlow, JA
The Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University, NC

Lantz, PE
The Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University, NC

(Received 25 March 1993; accepted 28 April 1993)

Abstract

Cyanoacrylate, the adhesive component of many commercially available strong-binding glues, has been used by the medical profession for various purposes, including tissue adhesion and repair, embolization, sclerotherapy, and hemostasis. Mortuary science professionals rely on cyanoacrylate's adhesive property to aid in body restoration techniques following embalming. Forensic applications include the use of cyanoacrylate fumes for latent fingerprint detection. An additional application for this sticky chemical is currently unrecognized by many within the forensic community. Specifically, cyanoacrylate's adhesive property makes possible the relatively simple, efficient, and rapid approximation of disrupted skin and tissue when warranted during a forensic autopsy. The final result is aesthetically pleasing and lends itself to subsequent photographic documentation especially when patterned injuries are encountered. We discuss the technique, benefits, and limitations of the cyanoacrylate adhesive method in this setting and present several cases wherein the technique has produced satisfying results.

Keywords:
forensic science, cyanoacrylate ester, wound edge approximation, photographic documentation

Paper ID: JFS13559J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13559J
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