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Background <p>The forensic assessment of skeletal injuries is a&#xa0;core task in forensic medicine, both in medicolegal autopsy and in the examination and evaluation of skeletal remains. In cases in which soft tissue is no longer interpretable, bone can preserve the only detectable traces of violence. At the same time, postmortem processes including decomposition, environmental exposure and heat may alter or mimic skeletal lesions. A&#xa0;distinction between antemortem, perimortem and postmortem injury is therefore essential. This review addresses sharp force trauma in bone.</p> Material and methods <p>Narrative review based on a&#xa0;structured literature search in standard biomedical databases, complemented by a textbook search and retrospective evaluation of institutional forensic cases.</p> Results <p>Skeletal lesions are reported in approximately 60% of sharp force fatalities, most often affecting the ribs. Experimental work, particularly on porcine ribs, has established reproducible patterns of cut and stab marks. Available methods include macroscopic and microscopic examination, postmortem computed tomography (CT) and micro-CT, and scanning electron microscopy, which may assist in assessing skeletal fracture morphology and, in selected cases, direction of force. Energy-dispersive X‑ray analysis can detect metallic residues and toolmark comparison can support weapon attribution. Interpretation is frequently limited by taphonomic changes and heat (burning) effects.</p> Discussion <p>Skeletal findings can provide critical information when soft tissue is absent and can contribute to the reconstruction of injury mechanisms. At the same time, interpretation requires caution, taking environmental influences and methodological limits into account. A&#xa0;combined view of the literature and case material remains essential.</p>

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Spuren scharfer Gewalt an Knochen und Skelettfunden

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月3日

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  • Marcel A. Verhoff,
  • Doreen Verhoff,
  • Viktoria I. Hans,
  • Frank Ramsthaler

摘要

Background

The forensic assessment of skeletal injuries is a core task in forensic medicine, both in medicolegal autopsy and in the examination and evaluation of skeletal remains. In cases in which soft tissue is no longer interpretable, bone can preserve the only detectable traces of violence. At the same time, postmortem processes including decomposition, environmental exposure and heat may alter or mimic skeletal lesions. A distinction between antemortem, perimortem and postmortem injury is therefore essential. This review addresses sharp force trauma in bone.

Material and methods

Narrative review based on a structured literature search in standard biomedical databases, complemented by a textbook search and retrospective evaluation of institutional forensic cases.

Results

Skeletal lesions are reported in approximately 60% of sharp force fatalities, most often affecting the ribs. Experimental work, particularly on porcine ribs, has established reproducible patterns of cut and stab marks. Available methods include macroscopic and microscopic examination, postmortem computed tomography (CT) and micro-CT, and scanning electron microscopy, which may assist in assessing skeletal fracture morphology and, in selected cases, direction of force. Energy-dispersive X‑ray analysis can detect metallic residues and toolmark comparison can support weapon attribution. Interpretation is frequently limited by taphonomic changes and heat (burning) effects.

Discussion

Skeletal findings can provide critical information when soft tissue is absent and can contribute to the reconstruction of injury mechanisms. At the same time, interpretation requires caution, taking environmental influences and methodological limits into account. A combined view of the literature and case material remains essential.