A Study of Fatal Internal Injuries without Significant External Injuries in Road Traffic Accidents in Imphal from 2009–2014

A retrospective study of the road traffic accident cases starting from July 2009 to June 2014 was done. The aim was to find out those cases where fatal internal injury occurred without visible or significant external trauma. 84 cases out of 362 cases were selected. These cases were analysed regarding parameters like age and sex of the victim, the type of vehicle involved, manner of production, period of survival, type of road, cause of death, wearing apparel of the victim and relationship between visible external and internal injuries. In all these cases, a fatal internal injury was present in the absence of corresponding external injury. Therefore, it is suggested that absence of visible external injury should not be taken lightly as it may be associated with a fatal wound inside. The first 6 hrs turned out to be the most crucial. Head should be properly investigated for any injury as this has turned out to be the most vulnerable part. Nevertheless, a complete bodily investigation is a must to avoid any unwanted incident as well as a safeguard from allegations of medical negligence.