Citation

Albrektsen SB, Thomsen JL. Forensic Sci. Int. 1989; 42(1-2): 135-143.

Affiliation

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery T, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2759519

Abstract

A material of 218 medico-legal autopsies on persons with traumatic injuries was analysed. All these persons had been admitted to hospital. In 75 (34%) injuries had been missed in hospital. In 11 (5%) the overlooked injuries were the sole cause of death, while in 51 (23%) they were contributory. The missed injuries were found in all regions: 27% were moderate (AIS 2), 28% serious (AIS 3), 40% severe (AIS 4), and 5% critical (AIS 5). It is concluded that medico-legal autopsies are necessary for an exhaustive evaluation of traumatic deaths. They are of significance not only to legal security, but also to the social need for analysing injury mechanisms and the consequent possibility of preventive efforts.

Language: en