PHYSICAL INJURY

Legal Medicine
PHYSICAL INJURY
An injury is the impairment of the body structure or function
caused by the outside force. It is the effect of some form of
stimulus to the body.
WOUND
is a break or solution in the continuity of the skin or tissues of
the living body.
VITAL REACTION
is the sum total of all reactions of tissues or organs to physical
injury or trauma.
CLASSIFICATION OF WOUNDS

As to severity
As to the manner of infliction
As to the kind of instrument used
As to the depth of wound
As to the relation of the site of application or force and the
location of injury.
As to the type of wound
a. AS TO SEVERITY
Mortal Wounds or Fatal Wounds - which when inflicted
capable of causing death.

Non-Mortal Wounds - wound when inflicted will not

endangers one's life.
b. AS TO THE MANNER OF
INFLICTION

1. Hit - by the stroke of a bolo, axe and other blunt instruments

2. Thrust or Stab - by the stroke of a knife, dagger, ice pick,

bayonet and spears.
3. Sliding or Rubbing
4. Gunpowder explosion by Projectile or Shrapnel
5. Tearing or Stretching
c. AS TO THE KIND OF
INSTRUTMENT USED
1. Lacerated Wound - produced by blunt instruments.
2. Incised Wound -wound produced by sharp edged instrument.
3. Stabbed Wound - wound produced by sharp edged and sharp pointed
instruments.
4. Punctured Wound - Wound produced by Sharp pointed instrument.
5. Wound produced by tearing force.
d. AS TO THE DEPTH OF WOUND

1. Superficial Wound - wound which involves the outer

layer of the skin. e.g. scratch or abrasion

2. Deep Wound - wound which involves the outer as

well as the inner structure of the body.
a. Penetrating Wound - wound wherein the instrument
pierces a solid organ or tissues. e.g. stab wound piercing
the liver, spleen, kidneys.

b. Perforating Wound - wound where there is

communication between the outer and inner portions of
the hallow organs.