Study note

Patterned contusions and the effect of impact

THE CONTEXT

The shape of a contusion may preserve information about the object that caused it.

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A patterned contusion has a size and shape that mirror a portion of the causative object.

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Heavier impacts or objects crush the underlying tissues, producing a solid rather than outlined contusion pattern.

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A bruise is usually round, but it may indicate the nature of the weapon, especially when death follows soon after injury.

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In a living person, the pattern may become obscure.

NEETx

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