A systematic approach to the interpretation of gunshot wound trauma to the cranium.

This chapter employs the fracture assessment triad, a systematic analytical approach, as a vehicle to explore the components used to interpret gunshot trauma to the cranium. First, a list of pertinent observations associated with gunshot trauma to the cranium is presented with a brief description of each. These features include entrance and exit wound defect morphology, keyhole defect, gutter defect, radiating fractures, concentric fractures, bone plugs, and associated foreign material, debris and residue.

A method for defleshing human remains using household bleach.

Medical examiners and forensic anthropologists are often faced with the difficult task of removing soft tissue from the human skeleton without damaging the bones, teeth and, in some cases, cartilage. While there are a number of acceptable methods that can be used to remove soft tissue including macerating in water, simmering or boiling, soaking in ammonia, removing with scissors, knife, scalpel or stiff brush, and dermestid beetles, each has its drawback in time, safety, or potential to damage bone. This technical report using the chest plate of a stabbing victim presents a safe and effective alternative method for removing soft tissue from human remains, in particular the chest plate, following autopsy, without damaging or separating the ribs, sternum, and costal cartilage.

Detection of gunshot primer residue on bone in an experimental setting-an unexpected finding.

Pork ribs with intact muscle tissue were used in an experimental attempt to identify bullet wipe on bone at distances from 1 to 6 feet with 0.45 caliber, full metal jacket ammunition. This resulted in the unexpected finding of primer-derived gunshot residue (GSR) deep within the wound tract.

Keyhole defect production in tubular bone.

Fracture characteristics, reported primarily for the cranium, are valuable indicators of bullet direction. A bullet striking the vault tangentially produces an irregular opening, termed a "keyhole defect." with the circular portion of the defect being the initial point of impact.