Clinical Characteristics Of Non-Fatal Forensic Chest Trauma And Their Association With Forensic Reporting Processes
Öz
ABSTRACT
Objective: This study aims to evaluate non-fatal forensic chest trauma cases in terms of demographic characteristics, trauma mechanisms, injury patterns, and clinical outcomes, and to examine the relationship between trauma severity and medicolegal reporting processes.
Methods: This retrospective study included cases of thoracic trauma referred to the Forensic Medicine Outpatient Clinic of Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2023, for medicolegal reporting under Articles 86, 87, and 89 of the Turkish Penal Code. Among 3,965 forensic cases, 227 cases involving thoracic trauma were included. Data were obtained from forensic reports, hospital medical records, and electronic health systems. Cases were evaluated based on age, gender, mechanism and type of trauma, injury characteristics, presence of bone fractures, threat to life, and treatment modalities. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 29.0, and significance was set at p<0.05.
Results: Of the 227 cases, 76.7% were male and 23.3% female, with a mean age of 39.56±17.11 years. Traffic accidents were the most common trauma cause (72.2%), and 85% of traumas were blunt, while 15% were penetrating. The most frequent injury was rib fracture (43.6%), followed by pulmonary parenchymal injury (36.1%). Bone fractures were detected in 78.4% of cases, and 52% presented with a life-threatening condition. Rib fractures were significantly more common in female cases (p=0.029). Surgical intervention was performed in 31.3% of cases.
Conclusion: Thoracic traumas are predominantly blunt in nature and most frequently caused by traffic accidents. While more common in males, females are particularly affected by traffic-related injuries. The high incidence of bone fractures, pulmonary injuries, and extrathoracic trauma underscores the severity of these cases and highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach in their forensic medical assessment.
Anahtar Kelimeler
• Thoracic Injuries, • Chest Wall Injuries, • Forensic Medicine, • Traffic Accidents
Kaynakça
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