Retrospective evaluation of forensic reports prepared for adolescent and young adult cases by the department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Manisa Celal Bayar University

Aim: This study aims to contribute to the literature by analyzing the forensic reports issued by the Department of Forensic Medicine at Manisa Celal Bayar University Faculty of Medicine for cases involving adolescents and young adults, and by identifying the characteristics of these cases and the associated incidents based on the data obtained. Materials and Methods: Forensic reports issued by the Department of Forensic Medicine at Manisa Celal Bayar University Faculty of Medicine during the ten-year period between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. The study included 1191 cases aged between 10 and 24 years at the time of the incident, who met the predetermined inclusion criteria. The sociodemographic characteristics of the cases, the type and date of the incident were analyzed. In addition, characteristics related to the injuries-such as affected body regions, need for imaging, and consultations-as well as the concluding statements of the forensic reports were evaluated. Results: The majority of the cases included in the study were male (75.6%), with the highest number of cases observed in the 20-24 age group (44.4%). The most common causes of injury were assault (31,8%) and motorcycle accidents (19,2%). The most frequently injured body regions were the head-neck area, and the upper and lower extremities. Bone fractures were observed in 29,4% of the cases, most commonly involving the facial bones (33,4%). It was determined that in 43,8% of the cases, the injuries could not be treated with simple medical intervention; 17,6% of the injuries posed a life-threatening risk, and 2,6% resulted in permanent facial scarring. The proportion of males was higher in the 10-19 age group compared to the 20-24 age group. Motor vehicle accidents, domestic violence, and occupational injuries were more frequently observed in the 20-24 age group, whereas pedestrian traffic accidents and injuries caused by sharp objects were more common in the 10-19 age group. Cases requiring consultations from general surgery, thoracic surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology were predominantly within the 20-24 age group. Similarly, hospitalizations in general surgery departments were more common in this group. When the adolescent period was examined in detail, motorcycle and motor vehicle accident cases were mostly seen in the 15-19 age group, whereas pedestrian traffic accidents and bicycle accidents were statistically more frequent in the 10-14 age group. Conclusion: In our study, it was determined that the majority of forensic cases involving adolescents and young adults resulted from preventable traumas such as assault and motorcycle accidents. This finding highlights the potential value of regional profiling of the nature and distribution of forensic cases within this age group as a significant tool in the development of preventive and protective health policies. Strengthening social norms aimed at preventing violence and traffic accidents, expanding educational programs targeted at high-risk groups, and ensuring the effective implementation of existing legal regulations are considered effective strategies for reducing the incidence of forensic cases. Keywords: Forensic case, Forensic report, Forensic medicine