Injuries caused by sharp objects Lecture 6. Associative-professor V.Franchuk

Definition Sharp objects are the objects having a sharp edge or end or their combination. They may incise, penetrate or chop the tissues resulting in wounds with definite particularities. Sharp objects are the objects having a sharp edge or end or their combination. They may incise, penetrate or chop the tissues resulting in wounds with definite particularities.

Classification of sharp instruments

Different types of sharp objects

General signs of the wounds inflicted by sharp objects definite shape: fissure-like, star-like; definite shape: fissure-like, star-like; margins are clean without abrasions, bruises raptures, as ussual everted; margins are clean without abrasions, bruises raptures, as ussual everted; Absence of sub-cutaneous bridges in the ends; Absence of sub-cutaneous bridges in the ends; Pointed, sometimes ruptured ends; Pointed, sometimes ruptured ends; Clean walls of the wounds without any abrasions and bruises. Clean walls of the wounds without any abrasions and bruises.

Cutting injuries (incisions) Cut instruments are characterized by a pointed blade and a little weight ( like a knife, razor, scalpel, scissors, swords etc.). Cut instruments are characterized by a pointed blade and a little weight ( like a knife, razor, scalpel, scissors, swords etc.). Меchanism of their action - produced by pressure and friction against the tissue by the sharp instrument.

Typical appearances of incisions Spindle-like or fissure- like shape. If adjoin the margins – linear. The ends consist of slight-cuttings and choppings.

Typical appearances of incisions Size – the length is greater then width and depth of the wound.

Slight-cuttings and choppings in the ends of incisions. The cutting instrument has been acted some times.

Chopped injuries. Typical signs. Definite localization Fissure-like shape Great size Clean margins and walls Pointed ends Underlaying bones are fractured

Types of the axe action to the head

Stab wounds Stabbing objects have easy weight, longitudinal shape and pointed end. Stab wounds as a rule are small, have got a wound channel

Kinds of stabbing instruments With verges (screw) With verges (screw) Without verges (nail, needle) Without verges (nail, needle) With single-edged or double-edged blade (knife, dagger, sword) With single-edged or double-edged blade (knife, dagger, sword)

Typical appearances of the wounds caused with the instrument without verges They are parallel Fissure-like, oval shapes Little size Presence of wound channel Internal bleeding often

Langer’s lines

Typical appearances of the wounds caused by the instrument with verges Star-like shape Ruptures in the ends

Forensic features of the wounds caused by single-edged or double-edged weapons Fissure-like or spindle- like shape Wound channel Clean margins and walls Pointed ends

Forensic diagnostics of self-made wounds Localization on the anterior part of the body They are numerous, superficial and parallel

Forensic diagnostics of stranger-made wounds Localization anywhere Great depth Different directions of the wound channels Damages of upper clothes

Thanks for attention!