2.3 Step 1: Inspecting and Cleansing Friction Ridge Skin/ Initial Assessment

Note: Depending on the jurisdiction, there may be restrictions on cutting the decedent’s tissue and advanced approval may be required from the medical examiner.

Using a scalpel, make an approximately one-inch incision at the crease of the wrist just below the palm (Figure 2.8a). Be sure to cut through the skin and all underlying tissue (Figure 2.8b). After the tendons have been severed, digits 25 should be easily released from the clenched and flexed position (Figure 2.8c). In the event the digits still remain immovable, it may be as a result of incorrectly healed injuries or osteoarthritis finger injuries (Siwek & Reinecke, 2014).