1. INCISED WOUNDS
Dr. Ravi Nanayakkara

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

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

4. 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.

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

6. 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.

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

8. 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.

9. 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

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

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

12. Summary
Definition
Identification and features
Medico legal importance

13. Thank you.