If you would like the opinion of your colleagues - please email us to have it placed here for general perusal.  Photos and case information must be de-identified.

Have a go at describing this...

Email famsaca@lists.health.nsw.gov.au or angelac@vifm.org

Extensive bruising of a patterned nature across the back of the individual.  It extends from the neck to the lumbar region and laterally to the sides of his body.  The patterns include a 4cm wide purple/red bruise running in a vertical linear fashion down the midline of the back (over the spinous processes) and several (approximately 8-10) approximately 4cm wide linear purple/red bruises extending from the midline bruise laterally on both sides of his back.  In its entirety the pattern resembles the following diagram

                                                 (insert picture, photograph, or body chart into report).  

                                                THE ANSWER (in short)  - This is a patterned bruise as a result of a traditional Chinese healing method called 'coining'.  It is worth having a look on a website and doing a brief search on this practice if you have not   

                                                     come across it in the past.  Once you have seen this once, it does leave an impression on your mind for next time!  Well done to those of you who participated on the listserver for the discussion surrounding        

                                                    coining.