Wound documentation in coronial autopsies

Abstract

Considering that a wound is defined as a disruption of continuity of a tissue by physical injury, it is obvious that for a pathologist involved in Colonial work, defining wounds is part of daily practice. It is a fundamental part of the subject, but as each pathologist feels that they have the correct approach, individual differences can lead to confusion. Wound documentation is of relevance in the majority of Coronial autopsy cases, no more so than in homicide cases. This is because of the sometimes very detailed court room discussions relating to each injury, and the necessity for all persons present to understand fully the nature of the injury. The degree of documentation should be adequate to allow a second pathologist to be put in the shoes of the first pathologist. The autopsy report is discussed in terms of injury definition, style, and nomenclature including differentiation of antemortem from postmortem injuries, as well as complex injuries. The use of charts, diagrams, tracings, photography, video, and X-rays are each considered.