A Study of Chest Injuries in Medico-legal Autopsies: An Autopsy Based Prospective Study at RIMS, Ranchi.

Injuries are a health concern in every country around the world, causing over five million deaths per year. Study of Chest Injuries in Medico-legal Autopsies was a prospective study which, carried out in the department of forensic medicine and toxicology, RIMS, Ranchi for period of one year from August 2012 to July 2013. In these study 340 victims died due to chest injuries. The objective of the present study was to analyse the severe chest injuries during autopsy and find out the measures for the prevention. It was noted that males (84.71%) outnumbered the females (15.29%). Majority of victims were in the age group of 31-45 years (39.41%). Most of the deceased died by heavy vehicles (62.15%). Trauma to thorax occurs in about 60% of multi-trauma patients and is 2-3 times more common than intra abdominal visceral injuries. Thoracic trauma is associated with a high morbidity and mortality, after the head and spinal injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]