PHYSICAL INJURIES;

MAJOR CAUSE OF MEDICOLEGAL CASES REPORTED TO SERVICES HOSPITAL, LAHORE

Abstract

Introduction: Injury is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity
worldwide. Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the pattern of physical injuries
in medicolegal cases presented to Services hospital, Lahore. Study Design: Descriptive study.
Setting: Accident and emergency department of Services hospital, Lahore. Period: 1stJanuary
2014 and 31stDecember 2014. Method: All cases presenting for medico legal examination with
physical injuries were included. Data was collected regarding age, gender, types of injuries,
body area involved, causative weapon and whether certification of injuries was done according
to Qisas and Diyat Ordinance. Results: A total of 86.4% cases were of physical injuries. Out of
these cases, 73% of blunt weapon, 11% of firearm weapon, 10% of sharp weapon, 4%of road
traffic accidents and1.5 % of bomb blast presented in the medico-legal clinic. Males (87.4%)
outnumbered females (12.5%) Almost two-third of victims (64.2%) were between 21 and 40
years of age. The head and neck were the areas most commonly injured in cases of blunt
trauma 48.3% while limbs were more likely to be involved in other physical injuries. All cases
were certified according to Qisas and Diyat Ordinance. Conclusion: It is the hour of need that
both public and private sectors work together in devising and implementing effective injury
prevention programs.