Bone Fracture Interpretation in Anthropology and the Forensic Sciences offers a foundation for forensic scientists to use to obtain more knowledge and comprehension during anthropological forensics investigations. Sections cover the documentation, identification, description and interpretation of bone trauma from the perspective of an anthropologist, with specific chapters covering the biomechanics of bone fractures, taphonomy and pseudotrauma, blunt trauma in bone, sharp force injuries in bone, ballistic trauma in bone, the recognition of repetitive and healed bone fractures, fire/thermal-alteration to bone, and the deconstruction of bone trauma.
Throughout the book, readers will be able to evaluate and reflect on their knowledge of fracture patterns and fracture pattern recognition. Case studies are included, thus creating an evidence-based foundation for the information discussed.
- Comprehensively addresses the history, biomechanics, observational research, description and interpretation of bone fracture patterns
- Includes fracture morphology, fracture patterns, and total body fracture patterns commonly seen in the Medical Examiner's office
- Covers five general categories of bone trauma, including blunt, sharp, ballistic, burned and repetitive injuries (healed)
- Provides illustrative case studies that are used to address the complexity of bone trauma analysis
Table of Contents
1. Introduction 2. Biomechanics and Bone Fractures 3. Pseudo-Trauma and Taphonomy 4. Fracture Patterns in Blunt Force Injuries to Bone 5. Forensic anthropological aspects of child abuse 6. Sharp Force Injuries 7. Ballistic Injuries to Bone 8. Thermal destruction to human remains
