A stab wound found at autopsy shows the following histological features: neutrophilic infiltrate in the wound margins, early fibroblast proliferation at wound edges, and beginning capillary budding. These findings indicate the wound was inflicted approximately how long before death?
- A Less than 30 minutes before death (very fresh — no inflammatory cells)
- B 1–3 days before death ✓
- C 6–12 hours before death
- D 5–7 days before death (wound nearly organised with collagen deposition)
Explanation
Wound age histology follows a predictable sequence. Neutrophils appear within 30 minutes–6 hours; their peak is at 24–48 hours (1–3 days) with early fibroblast migration beginning at 24 hours and capillary budding (angiogenesis) by 48–72 hours. These combined features — maximal neutrophilic infiltrate plus early fibroblast proliferation plus beginning capillary budding — place the wound age at approximately 1–3 days. Macrophage predominance replaces neutrophils by 4–7 days. Collagen deposition and scar maturation begin by 5–14 days. Fresh wounds (under 30 minutes) show only vascular margination without tissue emigration of neutrophils.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.