Medico-legal evaluation of deficiencies in the definition of wound depth in forensic reports: a retrospective study.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: One of the most important parts of accurate wound definition is wound depth. In our study, we aimed to reveal the deficiencies in the depth of wound definition in the general forensic examination forms prepared in the emergency services and to increase the awareness of the physicians responsible for preparing the general forensic examination form. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our study, we included cases from the years 2020 to 2021 that were evaluated by our team upon seeking assistance from the Department of Forensic Medicine at Tokat Gaziosmanpasa University Medical School. These cases involved requests for final forensic reports following injuries. The general forensic reports of the cases were scrutinized concerning wound identification and whether they provided information regarding wound depth in the identification process. RESULTS: It was observed that 97 of 770 general forensic examination reports included a definition of wound depth. In only 27 of these cases, it was determined that the wound depth was specified in centimeters. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of definition of wound depth in forensic examination reports is an important deficiency. Physicians working in the emergency department are required to provide detailed information about the depth of the wound when preparing a general forensic examination report since it affects criminal law. In cases where it is not possible to measure the depth, at least information should be given about the condition of the muscle and fascia and the subcutaneous course of the wound.