Physical injuries in the dissecting room

Abstract

Dissection of human cadavers remains an important element of learning anatomy in many medical and dental schools. During this activity, students are introduced to the safe handling of surgical instruments. The frequency, type, and mechanism of associated injuries are unknown. We undertook a retrospective cohort analysis of dissecting-room accidents during a 6-year period (2001-2006). Injury rates were adjusted to account for exposure risk. A total of 55 injuries, all minor, were recorded in 53 students, representing an overall injury rate of less than 4 injuries per 1,000 hr of dissection. Twenty-four injuries were documented in third-year medical students, 13 in second-year medical students, 10 in second-year dental students, and 8 in third-year science students. There was a statistically significant difference in injury rates between the groups due to a higher than expected rate among second-year medical students and a lower than expected rate among third-year medical students (P < 0.01). At least 38 (69%) injuries were from a scalpel blade. A further three injuries were from bone spicules. All except two injuries affected the hand. In conclusion, it is unusual for students to injure themselves in the dissecting room. Injuries tend to be minor and largely related to scalpel blades. A greater awareness of hazards due to sharps and safe handling techniques may reduce the risks of minor injury and better prepare students for future clinical practice.