Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology

Background: As proved that humans are different from the other living animals. Human being is a more social and lives in a community. One of the important things which govern the community is rules and regulations. The present work was planned to study the profile of medico-legal cases (MLCs). Aims: To evaluate complete profile of medico-legal cases at casualty department of Rural Medical College, Maharashtra. Material and Method: Study was conducted retrospectively by assessment of the medico-legal cases during the period from 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2017. Result: The total 724 cases were registered as “medico-legal”. Men cases were predominated over women cases. The maximum numbers of cases were in the age group of 21-30 years. The most of cases were of road traffic accidents (RTA) 410 cases (56.62%), then followed by fall from height, 72 cases (9.94%). Majority of MLCs were treated on the OPD basis, 379 cases (52.41%). Maximum numbers of cases were discharge after completion of treatment, 584 cases (80.69%). Conclusion: The present study showed that load of medico-legal cases at the tertiary care hospital and hospital not only caters to the requirement of patients who reports for their sickness but also carry out legal responsibilities to examine, document and certify medico-legal cases.

Keywords: Medico-legal cases; Road traffic accident; Assault; Poisoning.

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy endurance exercise in chronic mechanical neck pain patients. Background: Neck pain is of the 20 most burdensome chronic musculoskeletal disorder affecting 10- 20% of population worldwide. In a relatively recent report on the global burden of disease, where 291 conditions were studied, neck pain was ranked 21st in terms of overall burden and fourth when measured by years lived with disability. Patients with chronic mechanical neck pain showed larger sway areas in standing posture and reduced ability to successfully execute more challenging balance and proprioception tasks. Methodology: This was an experimental study design with Pre-Post type conducted in the outpatient department of Physiotherapy at ACS Medical College and Hospital. 120 samples were selected from 150 volunteers based on the inclusion criteria Pre and posttest measurement will be taken and compared by using outcome measures like VAS, Neck Disability Index questionnaire and Jull’s technique. Results: On comparing the mean value of group A and group B, shows significant difference between group A and group B. Group A seems to be more effective than Group B.

Keywords: Chronic neck pain; Endurance; Disability; VAS; NDI.

Personal identification plays an integral part of any investigation in medico-legal cases. Stature is one of the important parameter. When the body is disintegrated or mutilated, estimation of stature becomes very difficult. There are many studies where stature is estimated using hand and foot length, length of middle finger, length of index and ring finger. But, there are very few studies where length of thumb has been used to estimate the stature. And most of the studies were applicable to adolescent population only. Hence the present study was planned to estimate the stature of the person using length of thumb of both the hands and identify the degree of its reliability for identifying a person. The present study was conducted in 200 subjects, 96 males and 104 females. The mean age of male subjects is 42.16 years and of female is 38.06 years. Mean length of left thumb (7.15 cm) and right thumb (7.08 cm) length in male is significantly more than that of females (6.45 cm) & (6.37 cm). We observed a significant correlation between thumb length and stature (right thumb r=0.520 and left thumb r=0.559) and the significant level for both pair is (p<.0001).

Keywords: Forensic; Identification; Stature; Thumb Length.

Background: Suicide is a major public health problem and top three causes of death among youth worldwide. As per WHO, almost around one million people die every year from suicide and almost twenty times more people attempt suicide. Place of Study: Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Gandhi Medical College, Musheerabad, Secunderabad, Hyderabad. Study Design: Hospital based cross-sectional study. Material and Method: The materials comprised 100 autopsy cases of suicidal deaths of females of 12 to 24 years ages, out of various autopsies done in our mortuary. Observation and Discussion: The highest numbers of cases were recorded in the 19-24 group i.e. 49 cases (49%). Hanging was the most commonly adopted method for committing suicide i.e. 53% of deaths. The other means adopted for committing suicide in the decreasing order of percentage of deaths are as follows: self-immolation 30% deaths, poisoning 13% deaths, drowning 2% deaths, and fall from height and railway injuries sharing 1% each. As per our findings, in 24% of the death cases, the motive behind the suicide is not known. Three times higher is the suicide death rate amongst women in India in comparison with the rate globally in terms of similar geographical levels of demography index, these highlights the specific needs to understand better the various determinants of suicides among women’s of India. Conclusion: Disproportionate high suicide rate amongst young females in south India is a public health crisis. A specific attention is required for suicides among young females in south India, as such suicide ranks and the lead cause of death amongst young adults in country.

Keywords: Females; Suicide death rate; Autopsy.

Poisoning is one of the leading causes of death found among the autopsy cases. Our objective of the present study is to measure the magnitude & epidemiology of poisoning cases presented in the mortuary at MGIMS, Sevagram. MGIMS, Sevagram is situated at rural part of the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, known for Farmer Suicide cases. This study conducted by the department of Forensic medicine of MGIMS, Sevagram include total 48 cases of poisoning on which autopsy is performed by the Authors over the period of one year. Cases were analysed under various parameters like age, sex, type of poison consumed, residential status, month wise distribution, manner of incidence etc. Data is compared with available literature and conclusion was drawn thereafter. Study clearly indicates that rural area where most of the economy is agricultural based and farmer population is mostly prone to poisoning cases and suicide is the most common manner of death.

Keywords: Medicolegal Autopsy; Poisoning; Agrochemicals; Farmer suicides; Vidarbha region.

Background: Anthropology is the study of humans, subdivisions are the cultural anthropology and biological anthropology, and stature estimation is an important parameterin forensic examination for identification of skeletal remains. Objective: To evolve a regression equation to calculate stature from hand lengths and breadths using statistical methods in the south Indian region. Study Design: Cross Sectional Study. Place of study: Study was conducted in the department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College Mahbubnagar State Telangana. Methods: The present study consists of a cross-sectional sample of 192 subjects (96 males and 96 females) aged from 19 to 26 years. Observation and Discussion: Stature in male was 169.98 ± 1.99 and in female was 156.07 ± 2.09. It is observed that males have greater stature than females, and it was statistically significant. In our study the stature estimated in male was 169.98 ± 1.99 cm and in female was 156.07 ± 2.09 cm. It is concluded that males have greater stature than females. This phenomenon can be explained by the genetic constitution of male’s age of puberty being 2 years later in males as compared to females give them additional time for growth. Conclusion: In this study we have derived regression equations and multiplication factors to estimate stature from hand length and breadth for south Indian population from Mahbubnagar region.

Keywords: Hand Length; Hand Breadth; Regression equations; Stature.

Introduction: Hanging or self suspension is a type of violent asphyxial death which is caused by complete or partial suspension of body by the ligature material, encircling the neck and force of constriction being at least part of the weight of body. Sometimes it has been noticed that either feet or any part of body of the victim of hanging used to touch the ground or any other surface, which is known as partial hanging. The causative factors behind partial hanging are – (i) low point suspension and (ii) long ligature material. Such type of hanging cases are found in less number of cases and in most of the cases relative/ (s) of the deceased used to suspect the same as homicidal one. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted in the department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology at LAM, GMC Raigarh (C.G.) during the period from 1st April 2015 to 31st December 2017. During this period total numbers of autopsies performed were 1552, of which total number of hanging cases were 147 and partial hanging cases were 15 in number. The present study is retrospective observational study. The cases, where inquest report prepared by either police or by magistrate had clearly mentioned that either feet or any part of the body touches the ground or any other object, were only selected for the study. Results & Observations: In the present study 15 cases (10.20%) out of total 147 hanging cases, were partial hanging. Among total partial hanging cases, maximum number of cases (60%) belongs to 21-40 years age group. Males are more prone to commit suicide by hanging than females. In our study we have also found that suicide by hanging is more in urban (60%) than rural (40%) population. Conclusion: The cases of partial hanging are sometimes suspected to be homicidal in nature. Therefore before final opinion, all circumstantial evidences and chemical examiner report should be taken into consideration by the medico-legal expert. Also, in all these cases the viscera should be preserved by the autopsy surgeon, otherwise it will remain fatal to the prosecution case.

Keywords: Hanging; Asphyxia; Suicide; Partial/Incomplete hanging; Autopsy; Homicidal.

Background: In Forensic identification, widely used is Anthropometry which deals with expressing human form in numbers. Out of these Sex and stature are the most important. Identification is also an important criterion in human remains, one of the important tasks for the forensic anthropologist is to determine the Individuality of dismembered, mutilated and fragmentary remains. Determination of stature and gender and comparison with ante mortem data is the processes commonly employed in process of Identification. Aim and Objective: to derive linear regression formulae from correlation of little finger length and stature and later have a comparison of correlation between stature and little finger length with the studies made by earlier researchers. Place of Study: Department of Forensic Medicine of Gandhi Medical College Musheerabad, Secunderabad, Hyderabad. Material and Method: The study is made on the Volunteers total 194 subjects were selected irrespective of their caste, religion, dietary habits & socio-economic status at Department of Forensic Medicine of Gandhi Medical College Musheerabad, Secunderabad, Hyderabad. Observation and Discussion: Regression equation of Male little finger length on stature is, Male Stature (X) = 86.191 + 4.3727*YRLF + 6.8783*ZLLF. Similarly for Female Stature is highly correlated to little finger length (i.e. Correlation coefficient = 0.80) with P-value is 0.0000. Therefore, Regression equation of Female little finger length on stature is, Female Stature (X) = 85.1299 + 10.2972*YRLF + 1.2561*ZLLF. The linear regression equation derived from little finger length for estimation of stature showed a statistically significant relationship in both the genders. Conclusion: The regression equations arrived in the study can be absolute use for south India population. Our study will help the investigating agencies to collect information about victim around the particular area while minimize the time duration of investigation. It definitely could be proved as a milestone for judiciary in the population of South India region. Keywords: Stature estimation; Little finger length; Regression equation.

Objectives: To study the histopathological findings in MLC and autopsy cases. Material and Methods: This study was undertaken in department of Pathology, Dr SCGMC, Nanded for a period of year Jan 2017 to Dec 2017 to determine the histopathological findings in MLC and autopsy cases. Results: Out of 220 cases, 200 cases were studied, in which 85.5% of cases were of lungs, 73% kidney, 68% heart, 67.5% liver, 59% spleen and 47.5% brain. Conclusion: The most common organ involved is lung in which the most common Pathology observed is pulmonary oedema. Autopsy examination of the organs and histology helps to arrive at the final cause of death.

Keywords: Autopsy; MLC; Histopathology.

Aim: Muscle activity analysis during deadlift is an important tool for assessing the effectivity of the exercise. Some studies indicate difference in muscle activities when collegiate athletes perform it on unstable surface. Materials and Methods: In this study, thirty collegiate male athletes were recruited. MVIC was recorded for each deadlift exercise. Results: Isometric deadlift executed on BOSU ball resulted in greater % MVIC change in core muscles (p<0.05), i.e., transversus abdominis and multifidus while no statistical difference was found when dynamic deadlift was executed on both surfaces (p>0.05). Conclusion: Isometric deadlift exercise result in significant change in muscle activity as compared to dynamic deadlift.

Keyword: EMG; BOSU; TrA; Multifidus; Athletes.

Total 79 cases of snakebite poisoning were studied between 1st January 2013 to 31st December 2013. Males were 58 (73.41%) and females were 21 (26.59%). Maximum sufferers were agriculturists 51 (64.55%). 51 (64.55%) were married. 74 (93.68%) victims of snake bite were Hindus. 67 (84.8%) cases belong to rural population. 51 (64.5%) cases shown the most common site of bite is lower limb. 18 cases (22.8%) were elapidae bites and 14 cases (17.7%) were viperidae bites among poisonous snakes. 37 cases (46.8%) were non poisonous bites. Maximum 39 cases (49.3%) were reported from July to September. 69 cases (87.3%) discharged after successful treatment where as 10 (12.7%) cases expired.

Keywords: Snake bite; Poisonous snakes; Lower limb bite.

Thyroid diseases are among the commonest endocrine disorders worldwide. India too, is no exception. According to a projection from various studies on thyroid disease, it has been estimated that about 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid diseases. Since mortality and morbidity in thyroid cancer is often measured over decades, there is a paucity of prospective clinical studies that are capable of evaluating various tests and to find out the cost and time saving methods which may significantly reduce patient morbidity and unnecessary surgery in benign thyroid disease. Objectives of present study was to study anti thyroperoxidase (AntiTPO) antibody, anti-thyroglobulin (anti TG) antibody and immune expression of HBME1 and galacten 3 in various thyroid lesions. This is a prospective 2 year study from January 2015 to December 2016. All cases referred to cytology section were included and individual on hormone therapy or antithyroid drugs were excluded from study. FNAC was done in all cases. Thyroid function test, anti TPO and anti TG antibodies were measured. Histopathology correlation of cases was done of resected thyroid tissue and immune markers HBME 1 and galectin 3 was done where ever required. 165 cases had cytological diagnosis reframed under Bethesda reporting and serum biomarkers level obtained. 71 cases had histopathological correlation and observed nodular goiter commonest non neoplastic lesion followed by lymphocytic thyroiditis and papillary carcinoma. HBME 1 is specific to differentiate benign and malignant lesions and galectin 3 is highly specific for papillary carcinoma. Auto-antibodies are markedly raised in autoimmune thyroiditis and papillary carcinoma. To conclude autoantibodies level estimation helps in clinical diagnosis and management of thyroid lesions. Immunohistochemistry plays vital role in confirmation of malignant lesions.

Keywords: Anti thyroperoxidase/ anti thyroglobulin/HBME1/galectin 3.

Wilful killing of human being as result of conduct of the other human found in all civilization. In spite of all available law there is increase rate of homicidal death day by day due to modernization, life style change, industrialization etc. No matter what is the pattern of homicide but object for these are financial conflict, love affair, revenge, arguments and property conflict. This study done from Jan 2013 to Dec 2015 for a period of 3 years in the forensic and toxicology department M.P. Shah Govt. Medical College, Jamnagar studied in various aspect like vulnerable age group, sex, time of death, seasonal variation, survival period, type of injury, organ involvement etc. This study we found that homicidal deaths incidence was 2.25% of autopsies and male to female ratio was 2.4:1 and most affected age group was 3rd decade constituted 35% of cases. In 13.75% of cases police did not suspect homicide prior to autopsy. Maximum homicides took place at victim‘s residence (28.5%) and remote from public (23.75%). The main motive was financial conflict (26.25%). Physical assault by sharp weapon injuries (45%) was the commonest pattern followed by blunt weapon injuries (27.5%) and 63.75% of victims died on the spot. The common site of body part involved was chest region (26.25%) followed by head and face (21.25%) injuries. The most common cause was haemoorhagic shock followed by asphyxia.

Keywords: Homicidal Death; Cause of Death; Survival Period; Sharp Weapon.

Context: Infections caused by funguses are increasing at a steady rate worldwide. Elderly individuals and who are at an immunocompromised state are at risk of developing this disease. Though fungal infections which either manifest as cutaneous or invasive type, Cutaneous lesions are very common. Fungal diseases are diagnosed usually by correlating the clinical findings with histopathology and confirmation is done based on culture. Aim: The current study was aimed at categorizing the spectrum of fungal infections diagnosed in the histopathology specimens and their distribution according to age, sex and site of involvement. Settings and Design: This was a cross sectional analysis, conducted over a period of one year from September 2016 to August 2017. Methods and Material: A total of 60 cases were enrolled in the study. Clinical findings inclusive of age and sex parameters were noted from hospital registrars. Specimens were fixed in formalin and processed under standard procedure protocols. Slides were prepared and stained with routine H & E stain; special stains like PAS and GMS stains were used wherever necessary. Statistical analysis used: Data analysis was using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Software version 21. Significance of the statistical tests at P value less than 0.05 was based on 95% confidence interval. Results: Out of 60 cases, 18 cases turned out to be positive for fungal infection. The mean age of the studied population was 49.11 years (SD 11.02). The male female ratio was found to be 0.8:1. The mean age of male population was found to be 53.375 years (SD 7.44), mean age of female population was 45.7 years (SD 12.54). The commonest fungal infection encountered in our study was Rhinosporidiosis. Conclusions: Histopathological examination provides reliable diagnosis in individuals with uncertain clinical findings of fungal infection.

Keywords: Immunocompromised; Cutaneous; Rhinosporidiosis; Histopathology; periodic acid– Schiff.

Introduction: One of the most common non communicable epidemic of the world are accidents, which are a major cause for morbidity and mortality. The most vulnerable part of the body which is affected by the road accidents is the head. This study was done to observe the incidence of vehicular trauma and the pattern of injuries which lead to fatal outcome. Materials and methods: This study was done on 256 patients of all ages, who had a history of Road Traffic accident and death occurred due to head injury within 15 days of admission. The age, sex, time of death, history and type of the accident were noted. Type of head injury, site of injury and other organs involved, were also observed. Results: A predominance of males was seen over the females in 73%. The most common age group to be affected was between 21-40 years of age with 63.5% people affected. Contusions on the sclap, membrane and brain were 97.2%, 90.2% and 100% and lacerations were 36.3%, 28.9% and 35% respectively. 70.7% of the patients had injury at the base of the skull which was the most common part of the head to be involved, followed by the involvement of the temporal bone in 60.2% of the patients. Most of the patients (92.6%) had a subdural hemorrhage while 82.4% had a subarachnoid membrane hemorrhage also. Conclusion: Improper roads and traffic disciple not to mention high traffic and vehicles are the main reason. Proper education to the people, importance of the speed limits and following the traffic regulation, wearing helmets for two wheelers and seat belts for the 4 wheelers have to be emphasized.

Keywords: Road traffic accidents, death, head injury

Sexual assault is the most common and threatening behavior calculated to induce fear in women of all age group. Child sexual assault has existed in almost all societies throughout history in one or another form. Since 1971 up to 2011, the number of registered rape cases in India increased by 873.3%. The present study was carried out at Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology of B.J.G.M.C and S.G.H. Pune, from November 2015 to September 2017. The study has underscored different aspects of child sexual assault in relation to incidence. We have found out that among the total study population, the majority of the victims were females. Most of the cases were contributed by the victims of age group 15 years to <18 years with a mean age of the victim as 14.38 years. Literate victims outnumbered the illiterate one and most of the victims are in secondary high school. The maximum number of incidents occurred during the afternoon and was highest in the summer season. Them history regarding voluntary sexual intercourse revealed that majority of the victims denied the history. The rented rooms were the commonest place of assault in the maximum number of the incidences.

Keyword: Child sexual assault; Victims; Voluntary sexual intercourse.

Introduction: Burns is one of the most common and the most devastating forms of trauma among the people, leading to severe morbidity and mortality. The causes of burns differ in different communities and a proper understanding of this could probably lead to the prevention of burn incidences and thereby lowering the rate of mortality. Materials and methods: This retrospective study was done on 155 patients whose cause of death was due to burns. The postmortem reports, inquests, panchnama of the scene of offence, other reports which were collected based on the information of friends and relatives were taken. The treatment history, suicidal tendency of the patient, were pursued and the data obtained was analyzed thoroughly. Results: The number of females (56.8%) that were affected were significantly higher than the males (43.2%). The predominant age group that was affected was between 21-30 years of age, followed by 31-40 years. Suicides accounted for the majority of the causes of deaths due to burns (50.9%), closely followed by accidental burns (44.5%). A total of 5.8% of the patients died on the spot and could not be resuscitated. Majority of the patients (46.5%) could not survive beyond 24 hours. Conclusion: Proper education regarding the care to be taken to prevent burns as well as the immediate care and first aid to be given to such patients should be given to prevent severe burn injuries and death.

Keywords: Burn deaths; Accidental burns; Suicides.