Evaluation of cases admitted to Akdeniz University Medical Faculty Hospital due to incised, punctured, stab and chop wounds between 2018-2023

Incised, punctured, stab and chop wounds are significant issues affecting millions of people worldwide each year. This study aims to contribute to scientific data for evaluating the causes and consequences of such injuries and identifying preventive measures. This study included 9150 cases who applied to Akdeniz University Hospital due to injuries of incised, punctured, stab and chop instrument injuries between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2023. Injuries occurred least in 2020, as expected, when strict measures and restrictions were taken due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It was found that the most frequent wound was incised wound. The most commonly injured body part was the upper extremity, it was followed by the lower extremity, the less frequent affected body part was genital-anal region. In our study, 57.4% of the cases were treated on an outpatient basis, while 29.9% required hospitalization in various departments. The most frequent department for inpatient care and treatment was Orthopedics and Traumatology. Of the injuried cases, 56.5% (n=5169) were classified as coluld be treated by simple medical intervention, while 43.5% (n=3981) were more severe and classified as could not be treated by simple medical intervention. Injuries of the cases, 3.8% (n=351) were life-threatening, 96.2% (n=8799) were not life threatening. Of the cases 9.2% (n=839) have bone fractures. The most commonly fractured bones were the phalanges of the hands. Peripheral nerve injuries were found in 9.1% of the cases. The most frequently injured peripheral nerve was the digital nerves. The most commonly injured age group is the 21-30 (28.4%), while the age group in which injuries are least common is 71 years and older. In cases of injuries caused by incising, piercing, stabbing, and chopping instruments, and electric versions of these tools, The characteristics of the cases, origin, characteristics of the initial examination of the wound, findings such as whether the wound extends to muscles, tendons or penetrates to internal organs should be recorded in detail by all physicians, but especially by the first examiners of the case. If information is obtained from the person or their relatives about the characteristics of the tool that caused the injury, these informations should also be stated in the forensic reports. If information regarding the weapon can be obtained from the victim or witnesses, it can be noted in the forensic report. Considering that a large portion of these types of injuries first present to emergency services, physicians working in emergency services have a great responsibility in this regard. Providing regular training to physicians working in emergency services will contribute to the functioning of the forensic procedure by identifying and differentiating wounds. To prevent injuries, injury related fatalities, and violent events related to incising, puncturing, stabbing, and chopping instruments and their electric counterparts in society, it is necessary to raise awareness about the frequency of such injuries, the characteristics of the scene, and the harmful consequences of violence. Increasing the knowledge and awareness of the general public, especially healthcare professionals, through media, online platforms, and face-to-face training should be prioritized. Detailed studies are needed to identify the characteristics and risk factors of individuals injured with these types of instruments intentionally and those of the aggressors. Additionally, educational processes that promote the use of screening tests for high-risk individuals, such as children and employees, impaired persons, elders to detect self-harm/suicidal tendencies should be developed, and preventive measures should be implemented to ensure proper treatment referrals before harmful events occur.