ACEP Now - By Ralph J. Riviello - August 3, 2016
"KEY POINTS
- Pattern injuries have a distinct pattern that may reproduce the characteristics of the object that caused it.
- Pattern injuries can be inflicted by blunt force, sharp force, or thermal mechanisms.
- Pattern injuries are often seen in cases of intimate partner violence and child and elder abuse.
- Linear objects produce a pattern of central clearing surrounded by two parallel lines.
- Pattern injuries should raise the suspicion of potential abuse.
- The offending object can be identified and linked to the wound, patient, and perpetrator in the forensic laboratory."