Morphological Spectrum of Wound Types of Forensic Interest Found on the Human Body in Aba, Southeastern Nigeria: 2014-2023 Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

In the course of death, injuries of the body are often associated with a wide range of potentially life-threatening assaults. In all physical assaults, whether it result in death or not, the assailant has produced and left different types of marks on the victim’s body. The morphologies of these marks help reconstruct the cause of death. This study investigates and categorizes the morphologies and different types of marks left on a victim’s body in the course of death in Aba, Southeastern Nigeria, highlighting their significance in forensic investigations, which could serve as a veritable tool in reconstructing the crime scene and determining the cause of death. A retrospective analysis was conducted on autopsy reports and medical records from January 2014 to December 2023, focusing on cases with documented wound types found on the victim’s body that provide salient and useful data for the forensic crime investigator. The study categorized wounds into types such as sharp force, blunt force, gunshot, and thermal injuries, etc. Examining their frequency, demographic data, and potential implications for forensic outcomes. The results showed that a total of 1,200 cases were analyzed and categorized into various wound types, which include: 40% cases of lacerations, 25% of incised wounds, 15% of abrasions, 10% of puncture wounds, 5% of gunshot wounds, and unclassified wounds. Findings reveal that sharp force injuries were the most prevalent, particularly among young males, with 66.7%, suggesting a correlation with interpersonal violence. The study underscores the importance of comprehensive wound analysis in forensic pathology, providing critical insights for law enforcement and legal proceedings. Recommendations for further research and enhanced forensic training in the region are proposed to improve the accuracy and efficacy of investigations involving traumatic injuries.