Forensic medical examination of cases with peripheral nerve injury applied to the Dicle University Faculty of Medicine Department of Forensic Medicine

This study aimed to examine the forensic reports of individuals with peripheral nerve injuries resulting from trauma who were evaluated by the Department of Forensic Medicine at Dicle University Faculty of Medicine, and to assess these cases from a medicolegal perspective. A total of 10,921 forensic reports issued by the Department of Forensic Medicine at Dicle University Faculty of Medicine between January 1, 2016 and June 30, 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Among these, 81 cases involving traumatic peripheral nerve injury and referred for forensic evaluation were included in the study. Of the 81 cases, 74 (91.4%) were male and 7 (8.6%) were female. The most common age range was 30–40 years, accounting for 32.1% of the cases. The majority of forensic report requests (42%) originated from public prosecutor's offices. Gunshot wounds were the most common cause of injury, also at 42%. In 54.3% of the cases, an additional life-threatening injury was present, the most frequent being major vascular injury (23.5%). Bone fractures were observed in 58% of the cases. Most injuries occurred during the spring season. Post traumatic surgical evaluation showed that no nerve repair had been performed in 80.2% of the cases. The most frequently consulted specialties during the forensic assessment were Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation (PTR) and Neurology. Single nerve injuries were identified in 72.8% of the cases. When nerve injuries were separately evaluated based on EMG findings, severe nerve damage was observed in 42.5% of cases, sensory loss in 91.2%, and motor loss in 63.7%. The most commonly affected nerves were the ulnar, median, and peroneal nerves. According to the sensory impairment evaluations conducted in line with the Penal Code, 48.1% of cases showed permanent weakening, while 17.3% demonstrated permanent loss of function. Peripheral nerve injuries are a significant component of trauma-related emergency admissions. Since many of these injuries are accompanied by life-threatening conditions, special attention must be given during forensic reporting. Considering that a recovery period of up to 18 months is recommended for peripheral nerve healing, sensory evaluations should ideally be conducted after this period. A thorough patient history, detailed physical examination, consultations with relevant specialties, and EMG testing are essential for an accurate medicolegal assessment. Keywords: Forensic Medicine, Peripheral Nerve, Medicolegal Report, Electromyography, İnjury