A defence wound is found on the ulnar aspect of the forearm of a homicide victim. In what type of injury are defence wounds on the DORSAL surface of the hands AND on the upper limbs MOST COMMONLY seen?
- A Blunt force assault
- B Firearm injury
- C Sharp force (stab/chop) attack ✓
- D Burns
Correct answer: C. Sharp force (stab/chop) attack
Explanation
Defence wounds are injuries sustained when the victim tries to ward off an attack. In sharp force (stab or chop) attacks, the victim instinctively raises hands and forearms to deflect the weapon, resulting in incised wounds on the dorsal hands, fingers, and extensor surfaces of the forearms. In blunt assaults, defence wounds tend to be bruises/lacerations on the lateral forearms. Sharp force defence wounds are a reliable indicator of homicide in stabbing deaths.
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.