A victim of assault shows two parallel linear bruises on the forearm separated by a central pale strip. Which object most likely caused this injury?
- A A flat open palm
- B A cylindrical stick or rod ✓
- C A chain
- D A knuckle fist
Correct answer: B. A cylindrical stick or rod
Explanation
Tramline or railway track bruising occurs when a blow from a cylindrical implement such as a stick displaces blood laterally from the point of impact into two parallel lines at the margins, leaving the centre relatively pale. B palm produces a diffuse diffuse bruise, a chain leaves irregular patterned marks, and a fist gives a single ill-defined swelling rather than paired parallel lines.
Reference: Parikh's Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence and Toxicology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.