Medico - Legal Investigation of Wounds

1. 2. 3.

All injuries must be described, however small for it may be important later. The description of the wound must be comprehensive, and if possible a sketch or photograph must be taken. The examination must not be influenced by any other information obtained from others in making a report.

Examination of the Wound

A.

B. C. D. E. F. G. H.

Character of the wound - wound type ( abrasion, laceration, incised etc.) - size, shape, nature of the edges, degree of healing Location of the wound - region of the body where the wound is situated Depth of the wound Condition of the surrounding Extent of the wound Direction of the wound Number of wound Condition of the locality

Other considerations
Determine the possible weapon used. - Determine whether accidental, suicidal or homicidal. - Determine whether wound is life threatening, will lead to deformity or disability. - Determine whether wound is fatal or not. - Determine whether wound is ante-mortem or post mortem.
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Distinction between Ante-mortem and Post Mortem wound

Hemorrhage - more in ante less in post. - Deep staining of the edges in ante less staining in post - Wound gaping in ante, none in post - Inflammation is present in ante, none in post

Determination whether the wounds are homicidal, suicidal or accidental

Abrasion are always suggestive of accidental death, less common in murder, rarely observed in suicide. - Contusion rarely observed in suicide - Incised wound commonly observed in suicide and homicide - Location of the wound accessible areas of the body suggest suicide
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By Dr. Jaimenito C. Go