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Objective The mandible has been used for sex determination and forensic identification due to its unique anatomy and morphology. Every part of the mandible is unique, including the shape and size of the temperomandibular joint, the ramus, the body and the symphysis region, and the inferior alveolar canal. In addition, the position and placement of the teeth within their sockets are unique for every individual. Sample Population A study was conducted on 20 males and females to estimate sexual dimorphism using anthropometric measurements obtained by cone beam computed tomography images of the mandible of Karnataka and Kerala populations. Materials and Methods The mean, standard deviation, and standard error along with the confidence interval of different measurements were documented. Various measurements between the sexes were compared using Student's t-test. Association between categorical variables was analyzed using the Chi-square test. A p-value Results The p-value of mRBr L, GA L, and GA R among females was significantly higher in the Karnataka population when compared with that in the Kerala population. The Karnataka State population showed significantly higher values of RL R, BiGBr, and BiCBr among males, and the p-value of the Kerala population for GGL L and GGL R was significant and higher among the males. Conclusion The data derived from the above study suggest that the mandibular anthropometric measurements used may be applied for forensic sex estimation.

The present study was carried out to examine if Mckern and Stewart method (1957) could be used to assess the age from pubic symphysis of male individuals of the Dakshina Kannada District. Samples of pubic bones were collected from 50 deceased males of known age who were brought for autopsy to the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at a Tertiary care centre after obtaining a written informed consent from the relatives of the deceased. The analysis showed that the component based method of McKern and Stewart cannot be applied in its original form to the Indian population. The study established that the changes aiding in age analysis were more defined in the younger age groups and were obscured as the age advanced. It is also observed that the changes categorizing the bone in a particular age group commence at a later stage in the present study when compared to the reference studyThe likelihood of changes in each component of analysis being more pronounced in early stages are high compared to the older age groupThough analysis of pubic symphysis is useful in age estimation a study in bigger sample size will further prove the above hypothesis. Keywords: Age estimation, Pubic symphysis, McKern and Stewart.

Purpose: Bone remodelling of the cranium determines the enlargement of the maxillary sinus. The process involves the resorption of the internal walls of the maxillary sinus minutely exceeding the growth of maxilla. During this process, there is bone deposition taking place at the medial border of the nasal cavity, and simultaneous resorption of the lateral wall of the nasal cavity. There are very few studies which depict the correlation of the growth of the maxillary sinus with that of changes in the dimensions of the nasal aperture. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine, compare and correlate the three- dimensional morphometric parameters of the maxillary sinus and nasal aperture in Karnataka and Kerala population, to utilize the data for the purpose of individual identification, sexual dimorphism or any other application in the field of forensic facial reconstruction and /or human identification. Materials and Methodology: This pilot study has been carried out by morphometric measurements between the Craniometric landmarks of the maxillary sinus and nasal aperture of 30 subjects, aged between 18 to 30 years. Results: Morphometric parameters of maxillary sinus and nasal aperture were seen to be statistically significant in few groups on comparision which can be applies for sexual dimorphism. Conclusion: Maxillary sinuses have been reported to stay intact even though the skull and other bones of the cranium may be severely disfigured in victims who are incinerated or during external trauma. These morphometric measurements of maxillary sinus like the width, the depth, and the height which aid to investigate the accuracy and reliability of maxillary sinuses can also be used for sex estimation. These dimensions can be correlated with the measurements of the nasal aperture and this will also give an insight into the development of the cranium. These measurements are also important anthropometric parameters for classifying the race and sex of the individual whose identity is unknown.

Aim: To determine the correlation between Lip prints, Palm prints and ABO Blood Groups which may help in determining sexual dimorphism and forensic identification. Materials and Methods: 100 healthy subjects, 18 to 25 years of age and a native of Mangalore population were randomly selected. Lip prints and palm prints were recorded using the manual techniques for each subject along with their authentic blood group report. Lip prints and palm prints were recorded according to classifications given by Suzuki and Tsuchihashi, and Wu et al, respectively. Results: The most common lip and palm pattern recorded was Type II and Category V respectively in both the genders. The most common blood groups in both genders was B+. Correlation between three parameters was obtained by Pearson correlation statistical analysis. Conclusion: The lip prints and palm prints of an individual have never been similar and they tend to remain same from birth till death. This study was an effort made by us to associate lip prints, palm prints and blood groups of an individual, to aid in forensic identification.

Introduction: The uniqueness of dental morphology plays an important role in Forensic Odontology,especially for human identifications. Mandibular canines may be considered vital for personal identification.Objective: This study aims to establish the effectiveness of the Mandibular canine index in predicting thesex of an individual in a given population.Materials and Methods: 400 participants (200Male, 200Female) were randomly selected from a givenpopulation between the age group 13 to 30years. Using Digital Vernier calipers, the greatest mesio-distalcrown width of both left and right Mandibular canines and Inter canine arch distance was measured.Results: It show that canine dimensions and inter-canine distance were statistically larger in males comparedto females and were statistically significant (p

Stature estimation is very valuable in helping to identify the person to whom the human remains belong. Together with sex and age stature is one of the essential biological characteristics that can be evaluated from the skeleton even many years after death. The challenging task of establishing positive identification for the Forensic experts is usually encountered in cases of mass disaster, explosions, putrefied or skeletonised remains, dismembered bodies. The present study was conducted on 50 males and 50 females, a total of 100 deceased individuals brought for medico-legal autopsies in the Department of Forensic Medicine, K.S. Hegde Medical Academy, Mangaluru during September 2015 to September 2017 a period of 2 years. It was also observed that out of the two measurements taken, the maximum cranial length and maximum cranial breadth, the maximum cranial breadth shows a correlation with the height of the individual and it was statistically significant. The results were compared with previous studies and discussed.

Identification of an individual plays a vital role in any crime scene investigation. Till date fingerprints are considered to be one of the most reliable methods of identification. This method holds good even in cases of identical twins where they share the same genetic makeup. The objective of this study is to analyse the ridge density among identical twins and to assess its potential as a tool for individual identification.

Background: Accidental paediatric poisoning is a common medical emergency and also associated with a high morbidity and mortality in children. In developing countries like India, the poisoning emergencies are becoming a major cause of mortality in infants and toddlers. Among the various studies done on poisoning cases in our country, the study on poisoning is more or less only on adults and hence this study is taken up to understand the number of childhood poisoning cases (based on gender). Method: A ten year record based cross sectional study from January 1999 to December 2008 was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, to understand the magnitude of childhood poisoning cases among males and females at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. Results: Male children were predominantly affected (male: female::1.32: 1). Most of the poisoning cases occurred at home in both the genders with boy to girl ratio based on percentage in indoor poisoning being 0.92:1 and boy to girl ratio based on percentage in outcome being 1.06:1. Conclusion: Our study examines the difference in place and outcome of poisoning among boys and girls to identify population at risk and give suggestions so as to reduce the morbidity and mortality.

Background: Pediatric poisoning is a common medical emergency and also associated with a high morbidity and mortality in children. In developing countries like India, poisoning emergencies are becoming a major cause of mortality in infants and toddlers. Among the various studies conducted on poisoning in our country, the study on poisoning is predominantly on adults and hence this study is taken up to understand the incidence of childhood poisoning cases. Method: A ten year retrospective study from January 1999 to December 2008 was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, to comprehend the magnitude of childhood poisoning cases at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. Results: Insecticide poisoning was the most predominant poisoning followed by venomous bites. Conclusion: Our study examines the most common poison involved and route of intake among children to identify specific ages at risk and give suggestions so as to reduce the morbidity and mortality.

It was a sad and emotional moment for the citizens of Mangalore, India when the “Dubai to Mangalore” Air India Express Boeing 737-800 flight IX-812 crashed at the Mangalore International Airport on 22 May 2010, killing 158 people on board. Identification of the victims was difficult as most of the bodies were charred beyond easy recognition. The practical problems faced by the legal authorities in identifying the charred victims in a populous and developing country like India are discussed in this paper.

Aim Reliability of intercanine distance while analysing bite mark using metric method. Materials and methods Impressions of both, maxillary as well as mandibular arches of 50 consenting volunteers were taken and dentition casts were prepared. The bite mark impression and the dentine measurements were compared using Microsoft Excel Software. Each parameter of the bite mark is compared to the similar parameter in the dentition of the volunteer. The relation of all parameters with intercanine distance was observed. Results The findings resulted in 14 true positives, and considering only intercanine distance as parameter resulted in only 6 true positives. Observations showed a significant error of 72 and 88% respectively. Conclusion We conclude that using intercanine distance as a parameter for bite mark analysis is an unreliable method.

These days we have fast paced traffic on our roads to help us keep up with our fast paced life. But every boon has a down side and our high velocity traffic is no exception. Here is a case report of a blunt abdominal injury following a road traffic accident. Externally the deceased had only a few grazed abrasions on the forehead and right forearm. But on internal examination of abdomen, it was noticed that the left hemi-diaphragm was torn and the stomach and intestines were found displaced into the left thoracic cavity.

Chemical burn injuries including nitric acid injuries are rarely seen in routine clinical practice. In this article, we describe a case of chemical burns due to ingestion of nitric acid in which the history was not of an accidental but of a suicidal nature. Spillage of nitric acid (vitriolage) is frequently reported especially in the third-world countries, but an ingestion injury like this is uncommon and rarely reported.

A retrospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, K.S Hegde Medical Academy, Mangalore, between June 2014 to June 2017 with regard to demography, injuries, mortality trends and profiles among the Medico-legal autopsies conducted in homicide related deaths and the findings are presented in this paper.

The pattern of suicide varies from one region to another. It is based on education, socioeconomic status, psychiatric and other medical ailments and many other factors. The present study was on suicide over a five year period in Mangaluru. Deaths due to suicide increased from 78 in 2009 to 110 in 2013 and a male to female ratio being 3.2: 1. The 15–30 years age group constituted 33.1% of the total suicidal deaths. Most suicides took place in rural areas(79%). Hanging was the most common method of suicide employed. Deaths due to suicide are preventable by developing region specific strategies based on sound databases.

Penetrating or stab injuries of the chest are not uncommon and could be accidental, suicidal or homicidal. However, the present case discusses the importance of a careful examination of an unusual presentation in a motor vehicle accident. The case presented with haemopericardium and haemothorax due to penetrating rib injury to the heart, subsequent to blunt force trauma on the posterior chest wall. This case is highlighted, so that it becomes a necessary tool for the forensic experts to have an unprejudiced approach at autopsy and come to a reasonable conclusion.

Sudden death in young individuals is relatively uncommon and acute haemorrhagic pancreatitis as a cause of sudden and unexpected death is a rare phenomenon. A case of sudden death due to acute haemorrhagic pancreatitis is reported in a young doctor who ignored the radiating pain of acute pancreatitis for gastritis, and resorted to self-medication. The condition was discovered only at autopsy.

Electrocution is not an uncommon cause of death. A case of fatal electrocution by a metal wire that was used as a support for the insulated television cable wire is reported. Electric current flowed through the metal wire when it touched the residential power line. Electrical injury caused because of contact with the live metal wire is described with histopathological findings. This case reports the circumstances that led to accidental fatal electrocution in an outdoor setting during the rainy season. Significance of death scene investigation to confirm the cause and manner of death in cases of fatal electrocution is highlighted. Public awareness programs to lay emphasis on electrical safety in domestic environment need to be introduced to prevent fatalities resulting from ignorance and/or negligence. Language: en

Sudden unexplained deaths, especially those unwitnessed can lead to forensic issues and would necessitate the need for a meticulous and complete postmortem examination including ancillary investigations to discover the cause of death. We herein report a case of sudden unexplained death caused by malaria in an apparently healthy individual. This fatal case is presented to remind the forensic pathologist of the possibility of malaria as a cause of sudden unexplained death in malaria-endemic regions. In the present case, histopathological examination demonstrated the presence of parasitized red blood cells with malarial pigment in the blood capillaries in the brain, myocardium, pericardium, lungs, kidneys, liver, and the spleen. Cerebral malaria with acute renal insufficiency or pulmonary edema with an acute respiratory distress syndrome might have been the cause of death.

Forensic pathologists can help in the investigation of sudden unexpected deaths in co-operation with the officials responsible for the maintenance of law and order to administer justice. Sudden unexpected deaths form the subject of medicolegal investigation if they occur in apparently healthy individuals, wherein an autopsy would shed light regarding the cause of death. A 4 year retrospective review of autopsy files at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, South India was undertaken for cases of sudden unexpected deaths due to acute haemorrhagic pancreatitis occurring between May 2004 and April 2008. A total of seven cases of acute haemorrhagic pancreatitis diagnosed at autopsy as the cause of sudden unexpected death during the study period are discussed herein.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the world. The incidence and pattern of suicide vary from country to country. Cultural, religious and social value plays a vital role. Hanging, poisoning, drowning are the common methods of committing suicide. Suicide by incising one's own throat without hesitation marks remains a rare, and only few cases have been reported in the forensic literature. We present here an unusual and rare case of self-inflicted cut throat injury of a 45-year old ex-military man without tentative cuts over the neck, which has resulted from a curved sharp weapon.

The livings have responsibilities for the dead; and in particular, civilized societies recognize the need for identity both during life and at death, particularly in circumstances when an unknown body is summoned for medico-legal autopsy. There are numerous tools for identification of an unknown body which includes visual identification, fingerprints, medical prostheses, odontological techniques, DNA fingerprints and to include in the list is the occupational marks over the body sustained during the course of his or her profession. The medico-legal investigators should possess comprehensive knowledge of such occupational marks, which aid in identification. We are highlighting a case of rare entity, where a forensic evaluation of occupational marks was done to establish the identity of an unknown elderly male, who committed suicide by ligature hanging.

Drowning is a major global public health problem which is amenable to prevention. According to the Global Burden of Diseases 2000 data, the number of deaths caused due to drowning is 449,000 people worldwide (7.4 per 100,000 population). The aim of this study is to derive a profile of drowning victims, to identify the successful drowning preventive measures that may be adopted or enhanced in Mangalore, a coastal Taluk of South India. Retrospective study of deaths caused due to drowning in an 11 years period between 1994 and 2005 was done by reviewing the medical records, the findings of which have been described later. Epidemiologic profiles of populations at risk and the contributing factors are highlighted while public safety measures are recommended.

A young girl was accidentally strangled when her chunni (a piece of cloth worn around the neck by most Indian women) was caught in a moving electrical grinder. She was taken to the nearest hospital where she died within the next 9h, remaining unconscious throughout the hospital stay. Accidental strangulation of this kind due to household devices or machinery is extremely uncommon and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of its kind to be reported. The findings are presented.

We report an unusual and rare cause of male external genitalia injury, caused by an elephant stampede. The incident occurred when the unfortunate victim was attending a �call of nature� early one morning in the coffee plantation estate adjacent to his residence in Coorg District of Karnataka State, India. The patient sustained injuries to the left chest and left thigh, as well as a degloving scrotal injury on the right side. Language: en

Figure 1. Abrasions and puncture wounds on the thighs. There has been and will continue to be proactive communication on behalf of the Society with program directors and medical school deans to inform them of our resources, in both curricula material and speakers. The ability of educators, residents, and students to connect with each other has been expanded through use of the WMS site, which not only facilitates communication but also provides a way to assess the demographics of wilderness medicine education. There has been and will continue to be efforts made to reach out to other academic groups to create practice standards, as well as influence curricula. We are engaged with creating a joint statement on practice standards with the wilderness medicine subsection of the American College of Emergency Physicians. All these steps represent a new and exciting time in the evolution of our field and will further promote the WMS as its sole academic body and as a viable academic clearinghouse for students and future practitioners.