In a standard medico-legal autopsy performed in India, the conventional primary incision is:

• A A Y-shaped incision beginning below each ear and meeting at the sternum
• B A T-shaped incision across the clavicles with a vertical limb
• C Two transverse incisions across the chest and abdomen
• D A single midline I-shaped incision from the chin to the pubis ✓

Explanation

Indian medico-legal autopsy convention uses a single straight midline incision starting at the symphysis menti, running over the sternum and abdomen, and ending just above the pubis, skirting the umbilicus and any existing surgical scars. This gives wide access to all three cavities and leaves a cosmetically acceptable line for restoration. The Y-shaped incision is a hospital autopsy convention in some Western centres, and transverse or T-shaped incisions are not standard practice for forensic work in India.

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.