Pathology of Sharp Force Trauma illustrates and details sharp force trauma as seen in forensic pathology case work as well as in the clinical setting, outlining how one informs the other in interpreting such trauma for medico-legal purposes. For the purposes of discussion, the author defines sharp force trauma as: "The application of force to produce an injury which results in a clear division or separation of the skin and underlying tissues". Sharp force trauma may be caused by all manner of implements with a sharp edge and/or pointed end, whether or not they have been produced for use as a weapon, and includes knives, broken glass, scissors and many others, to name but a few. Certain tools, such as axes or machetes, combine a sharp edge with heavy weight and produce injuries with both sharp and blunt impact elements. In many countries, with the exception of those where firearms are readily available, sharp force trauma—particularly the use of knives—is the most common method of homicide and a frequent source of morbidity seen in emergency departments. Also, there has recently been an alarming upsurge in the use of knives in gang-related assaults and in terrorist incidents. As such, the book takes a comprehensive approach in explaining the different aspects of such trauma, most importantly the manner in which the victim has died. This includes cases of homicide, suicide or accident, indicating the type of weapon responsible, explaining how it was used, and presenting other such information to the investigation of such cases. Features: • Includes over 400 full-color graphic and illustrative images throughout • Addresses all aspects of the investigation including trauma, crime scene findings, post-mortem examination, characteristics of injuries and categorization into homicide, suicide or accident • Covers the biomechanics of knife trauma and tool mark examination techniques to identify implements used • Illustrates penetrating injuries caused by pointed implements which have linear components, such as arrows, nails, spears, stakes and others • Details cutting, penetrating, and other sharp force injuries resulting from medical intervention in a healthcare environment, such as might occur during surgical procedures • Examines sharp injuries caused by domesticated and wild animals • Written by one of the premier forensic pathologists in the world with over 40 years of first-hand case experience Pathology of Sharp Force Trauma is the first substantive book published in English to look exclusively at this subject. Although primarily intended for pathologists and clinicians who are involved in the examination of such injuries in the post-mortem room or in a hospital environment, it will also be of interest to medical examiners, police and criminal investigators, attorneys and legal professionals, personnel in other forensic disciplines, and all doctors and medical students with an interested in trauma and its management.

The practice of forensic pathology includes the collection and analysis of evidence in relation to a corpse in order to establish the cause of death. Knowledge of the cause of death contributes to the determination of the manner of death by medical examiners and coroners, who are occasionally assisted by law enforcement officers. In the process of establishing the cause and manner of death, representatives of various investigative bodies have several responsibilities, including explaining the death to family members, attempting to reduce the risk of similar deaths in the future, and, if applicable, apprehending the individuals who are responsible for the death. The most well-known and popular role of a forensic pathologist is in the inves- gation of cases of suspicious death; however, most medicolegal autopsies involve unexpected deaths that are above suspicion, many of which are caused by trauma (trauma being defined as any physical force or agent that causes bodily harm). The purpose of Forensic Pathology of Trauma: Common Problems for the Pathologist is to provide practical advice and information about the conduct of the forensic autopsy in cases of trauma, and to offer guidance about the analysis of the autopsy findings in these cases.

This book is specifically designed for non-pathologists who normally interact with forensic pathologists. It covers topics within forensic pathology, including the forensic autopsy, postmortem changes and time of death and body identification.

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

This richly illustrated two-volume book offers a comprehensive and essential reference guide for veterinary pathologists and clinical veterinarians interested in performing animal necropsies for forensic casework. It presents a broad range of animal crime cases, with particular focus on the post mortem examination and the observed pathology. This first volume introduces readers to veterinary forensics and the role of the veterinary pathologist in animal crime investigations. It guides them through the process of evidence collection and documentation, and covers the fundamentals of forensic necropsy and the estimation of time since death. In-depth descriptions of how to conduct the forensic evaluation of various traumatic injuries, firearm injuries, and asphyxia are also provided.

This book guides veterinarians and lawyers through the diverse and complex fields of alleged cruelty to, and unlawful killing of, companion animals, farm livestock and wildlife. It draws together current knowledge on how to approach, investigate and report forensic cases. - Covers all aspects of the forensic post-mortem including cause and time of death - Features the fundamentals of abuse and neglect - Allows rapid access to descriptions of different types of injuries and gives essential guidance on their interpretation - Backed by practical standard operative procedures from world experts to ensure proper and professional case management - High quality, specially selected photographs, a clear writing style and concise presentation informs and encourages the reader towards soundly-based conclusions

This book presents the latest developments in the field of forensic pathology/forensic medicine, including important advances in forensic histopathology, forensic radiology, medical malpractice, understanding of child abuse, and forensic toxicology. Various forms of trauma are addressed in individual chapters, and among the other topics covered are traffic medicine, forensic alcohol toxicology, forensic DNA analysis, forensic osteology, and international regulations. The book includes a wealth of color illustrations and numerous tables presenting key facts. The authors are leading experts in general pathology, forensic radiology, and forensic toxicology. Forensic Pathology/Forensic Medicine: Fundamentals and Perspectives will be of interest not only to specialist pathologists and those working in forensic medicine, but also to coroners, forensic physicians, students, lawyers, attorneys, and policemen.