Post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) is increasingly used in forensic pathology practice in many jurisdictions. Such imaging has expanded the capacity to evaluate skeletal trauma improving the visualisation, documentation and presentation of forensic findings. Typically when deceased persons are located and exhibit evidence of trauma, forensic pathologist, anthropologists and radiologists base their interpretations of the mechanism of trauma on their experience and understanding of the biomechanics of fractures as well as recognisable patterns of injury. In order to augment this process, An Atlas of Forensic Skeletal Trauma presents a range of de-identified adult and child skeletal trauma cases that occur in medico-legal contexts where the cause of death and mechanism of trauma are recorded. An Atlas of Forensic Skeletal Trauma includes comprehensive photographs and PMCT images as well as descriptive text. - Presents a valuable guide to the interpretation of skeletal trauma for practitioners and students of forensic anthropology, pathology and radiology - Provides coverage of skeletal trauma cases resulting from high and low velocity projectiles, low energy blunt force (e.g., assaults involving various implements, hangings, strangulations, falls), high energy blunt force (e.g., motor vehicle and aviation incidents), and more - Includes case studies with written and visual descriptions, discussions and up-to-date literature review

The increasing use of routine post-mortem CT scans in forensic pathology practice in many jurisdictions has expanded the capacity to evaluate skeletal trauma. This in turn, challenges current practitioners to be aware of skeletal injury patterns and the ways they which they can be recorded and presented in court. Typically when skeletal remains are located and exhibit evidence of trauma, forensic anthropologists and pathologists base their interpretations of the mechanism of trauma on their experience and understanding of the biomechanics of fractures. In order to augment this process, Atlas of Forensic Skeletal Trauma provides the reader with de-identified cases from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine where the cause of death and mechanism of trauma are recorded to compile a comprehensive descriptive and visual representation of adult and child skeletal trauma. Atlas of Forensic Skeletal Trauma presents a range of adult and child skeletal trauma cases that occur in medico-legal contexts and includes high quality and comprehensive photographs and computed tomography (CT) images as well as descriptive text. A valuable guide to the interpretation of skeletal trauma for practitioners and students of forensic anthropology, pathology and radiology Coverage of skeletal trauma cases resulting from high and low velocity projectiles, low energy blunt force (e.g., assaults involving various implements, hangings, strangulations, falls), high energy blunt force (e.g., motor vehicle and aviation incidents) sharp force, as well as accidental and non-accidental injuries in children, medical intervention, taphonomic changes and skeletal variation Each section includes case studies with written and visual descriptions, and discussion as well as an up-to-date literature review

Through a set of unique case studies written by an international group of practicing forensic anthropologists, Case Studies in Forensic Anthropology: Bonified Skeletons prepares students and professionals for the diverse range of cases and challenges they will encounter in the field. Every forensic anthropology case is unique. Practitioners routinely face new challenges and unexpected outcomes. Courses and introductory texts generally address standard or ideal cases. In practice, however, forensic anthropologists must improvise frequently during forensic archaeological recoveries and laboratory analyses based on case circumstances. Most forensic anthropologists have encountered unconventional cases with surprising results. While these cases act as continuing education for practitioners—better preparing them for future encounters— such learning opportunities may be limited by the extent of personal experiences. This text exposes practitioners and students to a diverse array of case examples they may not otherwise encounter, sharing experiential knowledge and contributing to the advancement the field. Case Studies in Forensic Anthropology aims to both prepare aspiring forensic anthropologists and inform current practitioners. The cases are interesting and unique, detailing how specific challenges contribute to the body of forensic anthropological knowledge and practice. Key Features Full-color photographs illustrate the scenes and skeletal features "Lessons Learned" sections for each case study emphasize take-away points Thought-provoking "Discussion Questions" encourage readers to think critically and facilitate group discussions Actual case experiences by diverse array of forensic anthropologists who discuss innovative methods and unique challenges

A comprehensive and accessible resource covering all aspects of forensic and legal medicine. The text provides a foundation for those working in both the clinical and forensic aspects of care and will also be an asset to those involved in the police or judicial systems. Including clear guidelines for practical applications, and further enhanced by its many illustrations and case examples, this text is a valuable resource in an increasingly complex field. The authoritative work is writtenn by those who have extensive experience for a wide audience including, but not limited to, forensic pathologists, general pathologists, pediatric pathologists, forensic physicians, forensic scientists, coroners, emergency department physicians, judges and legal practitioners.

This superbly illustrated book examines all aspects of the use of modern post-mortem imaging in forensic investigations, which has flourished since the introduction of multidetector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Readers will find guidance on the applications of all relevant imaging modalities and contrast media. Analogies and differences between forensic and clinical imaging are highlighted, and it is explained what lessons forensic imaging holds for clinical radiology, and vice versa. The remainder of the book comprehensively documents the typical “normal” post-mortem findings and the imaging presentations in various forms of trauma and nontraumatic forensic cases, including those in which medical liability may be an issue. The authors are radiologists and forensic radiologists from across the world who have extensive experience in post-mortem imaging. The book is primarily intended for forensic pathologists, radiologists, and radiographers seeking practical information on forensic imaging, but it will also be of interest to others, such as lawyers, who encounter this specialty during their professional activities.

Statistics and Probability in Forensic Anthropology provides a practical guide for forensic scientists, primarily anthropologists and pathologists, on how to design studies, how to choose and apply statistical approaches, and how to interpret statistical outcomes in the forensic practice. As with other forensic, medical and biological disciplines, statistics have become increasingly important in forensic anthropology and legal medicine, but there is not a single book, which specifically addresses the needs of forensic anthropologists in relation to the research undertaken in the field and the interpretation of research outcomes and case findings within the setting of legal proceedings. The book includes the application of both frequentist and Bayesian statistics in relation to topics relevant for the research and the interpretation of findings in forensic anthropology, as well as general chapters on study design and statistical approaches addressing measurement errors and reliability. Scientific terminology understandable to students and advanced practitioners of forensic anthropology, pathology and related disciplines is used throughout. Additionally, Statistics and Probability in Forensic Anthropology facilitates sufficient understanding of the statistical procedures and data interpretation based on statistical outcomes and models, which helps the reader confidently present their work within the forensic context, either in the form of case reports for legal purposes or as research publications for the scientific community. - Contains the application of both frequentist and Bayesian statistics in relation to topics relevant for forensic anthropology research and the interpretation of findings - Provides examples of study designs and their statistical solutions, partly following the layout of scientific manuscripts on common topics in the field - Includes scientific terminology understandable to students and advanced practitioners of forensic anthropology, legal medicine and related disciplines

The editors, along with 15 outstanding contributors, comprehensively explore and provide an overview of the principles behind the interpretation of skeletal blunt force trauma. This expanded second edition provides a discussion on how to train for a career in forensic anthropology and offers guidance on how to complete a thorough trauma analysis. It also provides the labels given to different kinds of fractures and the biomechanical forces required to cause bone to fail and fracture. The text provides a theoretical framework for both evaluating published trauma studies and designing new ones. Experimental trauma research is an area ripe for research, and criteria to consider in choosing which non-human species to use in an actualistic study are offered. Common circumstances in which blunt force trauma is encountered are described. Information is provided on a variety of causes of death due to blunt force trauma. These causes range from accidental deaths to homicides due to blunt force from motor vehicle accidents, falls, strangulation, child and elder abuse, among others. Epidemiological information on whom is most likely affected by these various kinds of blunt force trauma is drawn from both the clinical and forensic literature. The most fundamental elements of the text are offered in four chapters where, bone by bone, fracture by fracture, the authors describe what to call each kind of fracture, what is known about how much force is required to break the bone that way, and fracture specific epidemiological information. This particular section of the text provides an invaluable reference source for forensic anthropologists and other osteologists to consult when looking at and trying to classify a bone fracture. Case studies are included to bring the book full circle back to considering the micro and macro bone changes that are seen when bone fails and fractures. The case studies are illustrative both of the concepts described through the book and of the high quality analyses forensic anthropologists contribute to medicolegal investigations of death every day. The text is further enhanced by 150 illustrations, some in color. This completely updated and expanded new volume is an essential reference for the forensic anthropology professional.