The evaluation of childhood physical trauma cases which were prepared by the department of forensic medicine

Childhood is a more sensitive and vulnerable period to trauma than the adult group because of being the period that physical development continues. The aim of the present study was to determine the characteristics of physical trauma in childhood and the associated factors. Material and Method In the present study, 496 physically traumatized cases aged 0-18 years, whose report was prepared by Dicle University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2018, were retrospectively analyzed. Child cases constituted 11.5% of the cases for which forensic evaluation was made. Results: Of the total cases, 77.4% were male and the mean age was 10.94 ± 5.44 years. Adolescent boys 12-18 aged with 47,1% were the most common group among all gender anda ge groups. There are blunt injuries in 68.3%, penetrating injuries in 21.8%, thermal injuries in 7.5%, and explosive injuries in 2.4% of cases. While blunt traumas are more common in women (p=0.002) and 7-11 age group (p<0.001), penetrating injuries are more common in men (p<0.001) and 12-18 age group (p<0.001). Of the cases, 40.7% had a life-threatening injury. Penetrating injuries are the most common type of trauma that causes life-threatening injuries (p<0.001). Conclusion: In forensic medicine practice, a significant part of the cases with physical trauma occurs in childhood. Adolescent boys are at high risk for exposure to physical trauma. Traumas cause serious health consequences as well as mortality. By considering risk groups and associated factors, firstly, it should do studies that prevent the occurrence of physical traumas, and in case occurring of trauma, it needs to do studies treating and rehabilitating along with following physical and mental health of the child. Keywords: Trauma, forensic medicine, child