Fatal sharp force injuries 12 years review

Sharp force injuries represent the second major class of injuries. It results from the contact with keen edges or sharp points. There were 152 deaths due to sharp force injuries in our 12-year stuy (Jan. 1993 – Dec 2004) carried out at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal with an overall incidence of 3.07%. The highest number of cases was in the year 1993 which accounted for 17.1%. Stab wound accounted for 40.79%, chop wound 34.21% and cut throat injuries 25%. The most vulnerable age groups were between 16 – 30 years (46.0%) followed by 31 – 45 years (32.9%). Brain was the most commonly involved vital organ followed by the great blood vessels (especially neck vessels). Fatal sharp force injuries were found to be more common among the males as compared to the females. The detail findings are presented in this paper.