Analysis and Interpretation of Skeletal Trauma

An examination of human skeletal remains typically includes the analysis and subsequent interpretation of skeletal trauma. This article provides an overview of the details of skeletal trauma that may be provided by a forensic anthropologist. Initially, a definition of skeletal trauma is provided, followed by a brief overview of bone biomechanics principles in order to interpret how and why bone fractures. The different mechanisms that may result in skeletal trauma which include blunt force, sharp force, high- and low-velocity projectiles and blasts are discussed, as well as information about the timing of traumatic injuries relative to the death event. Consideration is then given to the complexity of interpreting traumatic defects, highlighting the importance of intrinsic and extrinsic variables. Finally, potential details which may be provided in an interpretation of skeletal trauma, including direction of the force, number and sequence of injuries, severity of the injury and the implement used are reviewed.