Journal Published Online: 25 May 2005
Volume 50, Issue 4

Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis of Experimental Bone Hacking Trauma

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

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.

Author Information

Alunni-Perret, V
Faculté de Médecine. Laboratoire de Médecine Légale et Anthropologie médico-légale, Nice, France
Muller-Bolla, M
Laboratoire d'analyse des surfaces et interfaces en odontologie. Faculté de chirurgie dentaire, Nice, France
Laugier, J-P
Centre commun de Microscopie Appliquée, Nice
Lupi-Peégurier, L
Laboratoire d'analyse des surfaces et interfaces en odontologie. Faculté de chirurgie dentaire, Nice, France
Bertrand, M-F
Laboratoire d'analyse des surfaces et interfaces en odontologie. Faculté de chirurgie dentaire, Nice, France
Staccini, P
InformatiqueMédicale et Technologies de Communication—Faculté de Médecine de Nice, Nice, France
Bolla, M
Laboratoire d'analyse des surfaces et interfaces en odontologie. Faculté de chirurgie dentaire, Nice, France
Quatrehomme, G
Faculté de Médecine. Laboratoire de Médecine Légale et Anthropologie médico-légale, Nice, France
Pages: 6
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Stock #: JFS2003213
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2003213