The Value of postmortem examination and disection of cervical spine

ABSTRACT Cervical spine injuries are important public health problem which have variety of origins, and forms. A body of literature exists which discusses the varying medical, social and economic issues involved in those cases. There is also a specific literature about, and documentation of, diagnostic difficulties, morbidity and mortality rates in all over the world. Studies have shown that cervical spine injuries generally occurred as a result of motor vehicle accidents, falls from heights and acts of violence. Studies have also demonstrated the difficulties in post-mortem diagnosis. It has been suggested that diagnostic attempts may only be effective if the medico legal investigation and examination of a case done properly. Despite these difficulties, there is a certain customary negligence in post-mortem examination of cervical spine. The aim of this study was to attempt to analyse the reasons on the neglected examination procedures in our country. The study was conducted on randomly selected twenty medico legal autopsy cases with the partnership of Forensic Medicine Organization. The investigations, examinations and dissections were done according to the accepted international autopsy protocols. Observed macroscopic and microscopic findings in those randomly selected autopsy cases highlighted the importance of posterior dissection and examination of cervical spine. The major conclusion from this study is that; further national training programs on specific autopsy procedures for graduates are needed and essential to provide reliable evidence to the courts. Keywords: Autopsy, cervical spinal trauma, spinal cord injury, axonal injury, disection technics. VI