A profile of abdominal and pelvic injuries in medico-legal autopsy

Abdomino-pelvic region is vulnerable to injury in various forms of trauma. This study was undertaken with objectives to study the pattern and type of external and internal abdominal and pelvic injuries and to identify the risk organs in abdomen and pelvis susceptible to trauma among the medico-legal autopsies at the mortuary of a referral centre in eastern Nepal during the period of one year (n = 80). Males constituted 80% of the cases and the mean age of the victims was 30.76 years. The cause of trauma was Road Traffic Accident in 82.5%. The manner of death was accidental in 87.5% and homicidal in 11.25% cases. Liver (57.5%) was the most common organ injured followed by spleen in 37.5% cases. Multiple organs injury was seen in 67.5% and absence of any external injuries was noted in 31.25% cases. Autopsy can play a role in establishing the missed injuries and be helpful to widen the knowledge of the medical faculty in early diagnosis and management of such injuries.