Study note
Forensic MedicineMECHANICAL INJURIES

Bruise shape after impact by solid objects and sticks

THE CONTEXT
Bruise shape depends on the object and which part of it strikes the body.

Patterns produced by impact

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In a living person, a bruise pattern may become obscure as bruising extends and merges with adjacent structures.
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A solid object such as a hammer, or a closed fist, usually produces a rounded bruise.
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The end of a thick stick may produce a round bruise. Impact by the length of the stick produces an elongated, irregular bruise.
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A rod, stick or whip can produce two parallel linear haemorrhages.
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