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01-03-2018 | Original Article

Macroscopic and stereomicroscopic comparison of hacking trauma of bones before and after carbonization

Authors: Véronique Alunni, Luísa Nogueira, Gérald Quatrehomme

Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine | Issue 2/2018

Abstract

This experimental study examined lesions produced by a hatchet on pig femurs before and after carbonization. A total of 30 lesions were produced and analyzed using stereomicroscopy and then reexamined after carbonization. Not only was the sharp-blunt mechanism of the hacking trauma (V-shape, regularity of one edge, irregularity of the other edge, upraising, lateral pushing back, fossae dug laterally to the edge) still recognizable after carbonization; in some instances, the carbonization actually enhanced the features observed. Carbonization also did not significantly alter the measurements of the lesions. Carbonization tends to alter the structure of the bone especially in areas weakened by the blunt trauma.

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Title: Macroscopic and stereomicroscopic comparison of hacking trauma of bones before and after carbonization
Authors: Véronique Alunni
Luísa Nogueira
Gérald Quatrehomme
Publication date: 01-03-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine / Issue 2/2018
Print ISSN: 0937-9827
Electronic ISSN: 1437-1596
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-017-1649-8

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