A retrospective study of pediatric forensic trauma: sociodemographic profiles, injury patterns and medicolegal outcomes
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Childhood forensic traumatic injuries represent one of the foremost preventable public health concerns. This study aims to evaluate the sociodemographic characteristics, types of trauma, and the legal nature of traumatic injuries in pediatric cases subjected to forensic evaluation. METHODS: Data from 275 pediatric cases who presented to Çankırı State Hospital between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024, with traumatic injuries requiring forensic notification were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Of the cases, 72.4% were male and 27.6% were female, with a mean age of 13.01+-4.22 years. The most common causes of injury were physical assault (43.3%), in-vehicle traffic accidents (19.6%), and out-of-vehicle traffic accidents (17.8%). The distribution of injuries varied significantly by age and sex; physical violence (73.9%), injuries from sharp or stabbing objects (95%), and firearm injuries (100%) were more frequent among males, whereas blunt trauma was more commonly observed in females (42.9%). Soft tissue trauma was present in 92.4% of the cases, and multiple body region injuries were identified in 39.3%, with the head and neck region being particularly affected in physical assault cases (53.8%). Traffic accidents were associated with multi-region injuries and moderate to severe bone fractures. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that childhood traumatic injuries vary significantly by age and gender. Enhancements in socioeconomic, environmental, and educational interventions are essential for the prevention of pediatric trauma. The findings are considered to offer valuable guidance for improving clinical and legal processes.
Author: Emre Gürkan Bulutluöz
Institution: Ministry of Health
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7119496299
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