Identification of traces left on skeleton by trauma. Due to the ability of the human body to redevelop new bones, trauma left on the skeleton can be identified as bones generally do not heal back to the exact same way they were.

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Identification of the traces left on the skeleton by trauma

In the human skeleton, bones break and repair by themselves. Bones are solid matters that contain minerals, produce red blood cells and store fat. The bones in our bodies are constantly changing-undergoing bone remodeling: cells called osteoclasts break down the old bone and osteaoblasts replace it with new tissues. These two types of cells along with chondroblasts (cartilage formation) are responsible for the growth of bones throughout life. Due to the ability of the human body to redevelop new bones, trauma left on the skeleton can be identified as bones generally do not heal back to the exact same way they were.

When fractures occur, a clot (called fracture hematoma) is formed as a result of blood leaking from veins near the bone. The clot helps the broken bone to stabilize and keeps the two broken parts together for mending. Inflammation then follows and tiny blood vessels grow into the fracture hematoma to stimulate the healing process.

A few days later, a soft callus will form from the fracture hematoma and fibers of collagen start to appear. A type of cartilage called fibro cartilage will