Forensic medical evaluation of spinal injuries referred to the Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dicle University, between 2015 and 2024

This thesis provides a retrospective analysis of 187 spinal trauma cases for which forensic reports were prepared by the Dicle University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, between January 1, 2015, and May 25, 2024. Demographic data indicate that 80.7% (n=151) of the cases were male and 19.3% (n=36) were female, with an average age of 35.74 years. Geographically, Diyarbakır province exhibited a significant concentration of incidents, accounting for 89.8% (n=168) of the cases. Regarding the etiology of spinal injuries, in-vehicle traffic accidents constituted the most frequent cause at 36.9% (n=69), followed by out-of-vehicle traffic accidents at 24.6% (n=46) and falls from height at 20.3% (n=38). Notably, 55.3% of falls from height were classified as occupational accidents. The study's findings reveal that 54.0% (n=101) of the cases presented with life-threatening conditions. A statistically significant and strong positive correlation (χ²(4) = 23.808, p < 0.001) was identified between the bone injury score and the presence of life-threatening conditions, indicating that an increase in bone injury score corresponded to a significant rise in the risk of life-threatening outcomes. The lumbar vertebrae represented the most commonly affected spinal region (68.4%), with the L1 level (29.9%, n=56) being the most frequently injured segment. A statistically significant increase in lumbar vertebral injury rates was observed with advancing age (p = 0.013). Surgical intervention was performed in 41.7% (n=78) of the cases, and neurological findings were documented in 9.6% (n=18). This retrospective analysis meticulously details the demographic, etiological, and clinical characteristics of spinal traumas from a forensic medical perspective, thereby offering substantial contributions to the enhancement of forensic medical evaluation processes. Keywords: Spinal Trauma, Forensic Medicine, Vertebral Fracture, Traffic Accident, Occupational Injury