Chisels — Post Mortem Instruments
Post-mortem chisels are used by pathologists during autopsy to cut and shape bone — most often opening the skull or accessing the spine — as part of determining cause of death. All are forged in German stainless steel.
Our post-mortem chisels include the Chisel Post Mortem T-Shape, which uses a T-handle grip for controlled leverage during bone cutting; the Vertebrae Chisel (3"/76mm, angled blade), shaped specifically for vertebral access during a spinal autopsy; the Spinal Chisel with Locating Point, which uses a pointed tip to seat precisely before cutting; and the Post Mortem Chisel Straight (0.5"/12mm blade), a narrower straight pattern for more confined bone-cutting work.
For the broader autopsy instrument set, pair these chisels with our Post Mortem Mallets for striking force, Post Mortem Saws for broader bone sectioning, and Post Mortem Rasps for finishing cut surfaces. Browse the full Post Mortem Instruments range for the complete autopsy kit.
Chisels Post Mortem Instruments
To pathologists who carry out postmortem examinations, Peak Surgicals offers a vast array of Post Mortem Chisels instruments. These postmortem instruments are meant for disease identification or injury determination and identifying causes of death. During the process of performing an autopsy, chisels used post-mortem are designed to cut and shape bone. All these surgical instruments are made from German-forged stainless steel.
Our post-mortem chisels include:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a post-mortem chisel used for?
A post-mortem chisel is used during autopsy to cut and shape bone, most commonly to access the skull or spine as part of determining cause of death.
What's the difference between a vertebrae chisel and a spinal chisel?
Both are used for spinal autopsy access; the vertebrae chisel has an angled blade shaped for vertebral bone, while the spinal chisel adds a locating point to help seat the blade precisely before cutting.
What other instruments are used alongside post-mortem chisels?
A chisel is typically used with a mallet to provide striking force, alongside saws for broader bone sectioning and rasps for finishing cut edges.
