Profile of Medicolegal Cases Attending Trauma Center Of District Headquarter Teaching Hospital, Gujranwala

Abstract

Objective: To describe demographic characteristics and types of medico-legal cases
presenting in trauma center of district headquarter teaching hospital, Gujranwala.
Material and Methods: In this descriptive study, two hundred and thirteen (213) medico-legal
cases were studied. These cases visited trauma centre of district headquarter teaching hospital,
Gujranwala during the year 2012. Medicolegal records were reviewed retrospectively.
Demographic profile included age and sex distribution which was described according to the type
of injury. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 18.
Results: Out of 213 cases studied, 182 (85.45%) were males and 31 (14.55%) were females.
Majority of patients were between 11-30 years of age (62.91%). Injury was inflicted by blunt
weapons in 92(43.19%) of the cases, whereas firearms and sharp edged weapons were
responsible for 26.76% and 10.80% of the injuries respectively. On the other hand, total of 38
(17.84%) experienced road traffic accidents and only 1.41% cases suffered burns.
Conclusion: Blunt weapon injury is the most frequently reported medico-legal offense in
district headquarter teaching hospital Gujranwala followed by firearm injury. Males are
involved in most of these incidences.