PHYSICAL TRAUMA –A LEADING CAUSE OF MEDICO LEGAL CASES AT DHQ HOSPITAL ABBOTTABAD
Abstract
Background: Trauma is one of leading cause of suffering to mankind. No study has yet been doneto see the incidence, pattern of injury, outcome and declaration according to Qisas and Diyat in thecity of Abbottabad. The objectives of the study were to determine the frequency of age and sexwith type of lesion and causative weapon after trauma in a medico-legal clinic and to find theimpact on the commonest target organs in the study area. Methods: This cross-sectional study wasconducted at District Headquarter Hospital, Abbottabad between 1st January 2004 and 31stDecember 2004. Cases presenting for medico legal examination in Medico-legal Department ofDHQ Hospital Abbottabad. Patients were selected on basis of purposive sampling technique.Physical trauma group was sub-divided into firearms, sharp, blunt and road traffic accident. Thisgroup was further classified according to age, sex, area of body involved, type of weapon,seasonal prevalence, and whether injuries were declared according to Qisas and Diyat ordinance.Results: A total of 759 cases of physical trauma reported for medico-legal examination. Out of759 cases of physical trauma, 3.4% cases of firearm weapon, 7.9% cases of sharp weapon, 16.2%of road traffic accidents, and 72.5% of blunt weapon presented in the medico-legal clinic. Malepreponderance with 97% was noted. Two-third of victims were between 10 and 39 years of age.The months of May–July and October–December showed slightly elevated number of cases. Thehead and neck was the most commonly involved area. No case was certified according to Qisasand Diyat Ordinance. Conclusion: Physical trauma constitutes the leading cause to the mankindwhich makes about 91.6% of cases. Males between 10 to 39 years of age are most likely to bevictims. The face and head is the most affected area.Keywords: Injury, Blunt trauma, road traffic accidents, Qisas and DiyatReferences
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