Assessment of cases with sharp and penetrating object injuries

Abstract

Background: Sharp and penetrating object injuries (SPOIs) are seen frequently in forensic medicine practice. In this study, we aimed to retrospectively investigate cases with SPOIs. Materials and Methods: This study investigated the charts of patients treated at Adiyaman University Education and Research Hospital between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017. A total of 934 inpatients with sharp object injuries were included in the study. Data were assessed using a suitable computer-aided package program. Cases were examined in terms of age, gender, injury body site, suicide or homicide, radiologic findings, presence of vital danger, and severity of injury. Results: In this study, we examined the charts for 934 inpatients with stab wounds. It was stated that 124 (13.27%) of those injured were female and 810 (86.63%) male; the average age of the injured persons was 29.8 18.2 years. It was found that 214 (22.91%) people were exposed to vital danger and that 720 (77.09%) suffered from soft tissue injuries (penetrating skin and muscle injuries). Also, 69.27% of the cases (n = 647) involved people less than 35 years of age. Conclusion: Considering that stab injuries are more frequent in the lower age groups, we believe that such injuries could be reduced by increasing training programs for young people.