Evaluation of non-fatal forensic chest traumas

The aim of the study is to evaluate chest traumas from a forensic medicine perspective, focusing on their clinical outcomes, significance in forensic practice, and relevance in legal processes. A retrospective analysis was conducted on cases diagnosed with forensic chest trauma at Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, between 2021 and 2023. Data were collected from forensic reports and medical documents recorded in the hospital's automation system. The cases were analyzed based on parameters such as age, gender, mechanism of injury, type of incident, types of injuries, and treatment processes. A total of 227 cases were examined, of which 76.7% (n=174) were male, and 23.3% (n=53) were female, with a mean age of 39.56 years. Blunt trauma was observed in 85% (n=193) of the cases, while penetrating trauma was seen in 15% (n=34). The most common cause of trauma was traffic accidents at 72.2% (n=164), followed by penetrating injuries with sharp objects at 11.5% (n=26), and assault at 6.6% (n=15). Rib fractures were detected in 43.6% (n=99) of the injuries, pneumothorax in 14.5% (n=33), hemothorax in 11.9% (n=27), and lung tissue injuries in 36.1% (n=82). Life-threatening conditions were identified in 52% (n=118) of the cases, and 31.3% (n=71) required surgical treatment. Hospitalization periods ranged between 1-7 days for 50.2% (n=114) of the cases. The findings emphasize the critical importance of accurately evaluating chest traumas not only for their physical consequences but also for their pivotal role in forensic applications and legal procedures. Proper assessment of chest traumas holds vital significance for forensic medicine practices and judicial processes. Key Words: Chest Traumas, Penetrating Trauma, Traffic Accidents, Pneumothorax, Forensic Evaluation