Post-mortem artefacts by animals - complexities in autopsy

Body modifications in the forensic context have received little focus. But it has important place in forensic autopsy. An Artefact means anything which is not real but something artificial. A postmortem artifact often leads to much confusion about its nature and cause, which results in misinterpretation to the forensic surgeon and may mislead the course of justice. Artifacts are commonly encountered problems in routine autopsy. So forensic surgeons who concerned with medico legal work, especially autopsies should interpret the findings carefully. Then only our opinion will be conclusive and aid in the administration of justice. Artifacts are classified into many types. In the present article we see Postmortem artifacts due to insects, rodents and aquatic bites. These are more common and their interpretation during the autopsy examination becomes difficult and important.