INCISED WOUNDS Dr. Ravi Nanayakkara

Objectives Discuss the medico legal aspects of Incised wounds and Penetrating injuries/stabs

Incised wounds/Cut injuries Discontinuity of the skin or any tissue caused by sharp cutting weapons.

Incised wounds Characterized by, Surface length is greater than depth. Edges are clear cut without marginal contusions. Ends are sharp with tailing effect. Underlining tissues are evenly cut. Gape widely and bleed profusely. Sometimes linear abrasions seen along when weapon being dragged.

Nature of an incised wound depend on… Shape of the blade Sharpness Thickness Length Strength ( pliability) Weight.

Cutting Weapons Curved blade – sickle Cut from the sharp proximal area with untouched skin in between. Sward and heavy non pliable knives. Manna, Kathy….. Axe – Relatively blunt with contused margin Irregular Glasses, broken pottery, sharp stone.

Injuries due to broken glass Road traffic accidents Self inflicted injuries Industrial/domestic accidents Assaults

Classification Slashed cut Heavy weapon with a large force Homicidal Injuries to deep structures Drawn cuts. Drawing the blade over the skin. Usually self inflicted, Homicides possible.

Medico-Legal importance Nature of the weapon Cutting surface, size etc. Circumstances Suicidal, self inflicted Homicide 3. Categorization Site of the body, internal damage… Reconstruct the event Differentiate from a laceration

Hesitation cuts Parallel superficial cuts Final deep fatal cut Suicidal motive Handedness is seen

Defense cuts Homicidal/assaults with a sharp weapon Victim’s hand or forearm During self defense or grabbing the weapon Handedness may be seen

Summary Definition Identification and features Medico legal importance

Thank you.