BROKEN BONES: Anthropological Analysis of Blunt Force Trauma (2nd Ed.)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. |
From inside the book
Results 1-5 of 65
... fragments often do not appear normally aligned in the position in which we see them in textbooks. Additional methods ... fragment both with the naked eye and under magnification. The graduate student then proceeds to conduct mock ...
... fragments, and assess the environmental conditions that may have affected the taphonomic changes to the remains. Blunt force trauma may result in unusual patterns of decomposition, which are evident on the body at initial inspection. In ...
... fragments may be necessary and is encouraged if there are any missing fragments discovered during reconstruction. Locating the original site of deposition and decomposition is often the key to recovering the smaller bones and bone fragments ...
... fragments in cases of blunt force trauma is essential. In many instances, this entails sifting through masses of soft tissue, which are in various stages of decomposition. Small splinters of bone are easily lost within maggot masses and ...
... fragments should be photographed. Fracture edges should be examined as to gross appearance and under oblique light to reveal the topography of the fracture. In some cases, these edges should be replicated with Microsil or other fine ...
Contents
Section III B | 327 |
Section III C | 336 |
Section III D | 350 |
Section III E | 362 |
Section III F | 369 |
Section III G | 379 |
Section III H | 391 |
Section III I | 399 |