Deciphering the elusive nature of sharp bone trauma using epifluorescence macroscopy: a comparison study multiplexing...

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Bioarchaeology
• Forensic Osteology

Background:

• Sharp-force trauma analysis on human bones is crucial for determining the circumstances of death.
• Identifying weapons and analyzing bone wounds present significant challenges in forensic investigations.
• Existing methods for dissecting bone wound characteristics are inconsistent, leading to conflicting results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the qualitative aspects of cut marks on human bones caused by sharp weapons.
• To introduce and evaluate an original approach using bone autofluorescence with an epifluorescence macroscope.
• To compare epifluorescence macroscopy with established methodologies for bone wound analysis.

Main Methods:

• Human clavicle bone sections were used, with three distinct lesion types manually created using different weapons.
• Bone wounds were analyzed using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and micro-computed tomography.
• Epifluorescence macroscopy was employed, with a focus on the kerf walls and floor to determine weapon type.

Main Results:

• Epifluorescence macroscopy and SEM were identified as the most precise and efficient methods for analyzing bone wounds.
• Epifluorescence macroscopy demonstrated advantages in speed, cost-effectiveness, and accessibility compared to SEM.
• The study confirmed the potential of epifluorescence macroscopy to accurately document damage and distinguish between weapon types.

Conclusions:

• Epifluorescence macroscopy is a highly effective, non-destructive technique for characterizing sharp-force trauma on human bones.
• This method provides valuable, accurate documentation of bone damage, aiding in weapon identification.
• The accessibility and efficiency of epifluorescence macroscopy make it a significant tool for forensic science and anthropology.