Distinction Between a Sharp and Blunt Force Wound

A break in the skin may occur after either a sharp or blunt force injury. Features of the wound can help distinguish between these 2 types of injury.

Parameters:

(1) linearity

(2) edge of wound

(3) undermining

(4) bridging of wound by subcutaneous nerves and vessels

(5) bruising

(6) other features

Parameters	Sharp	Blunt Force
linearity	straight	irregular
edge of the wound	sharp with non-abraded edges	torn, ragged
undermining	none or minimal	mild to marked
bridging	none	present
bruising	usually none	often present
other features	wound deeper than long (unless sword)	usually occur over an underlying bone

where:

• Bruising in a sharp wound may be caused by the hilt of a knife or the fist holding the knife.

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