Pattern of craniocerebral injuries in road traffic accident cases in Mangalore-autopsy based retrospective study

Introduction: Cranio cerebral injury as a result of road traffic accident (RTA) is commonly seen in countries like India. This study mainly focused on injuries like craniocerebral injuries associated with road traffic accidents. Methodology: Study Design: Autopsy based retrospective study on the patterns of craniocerebral injuries in road traffic accident cases. Study area: Study was pursued in department of Forensic Medicine, Tertiary care Hospital, Mangalore among victims who underwent autopsy at Government Wenlock Hospital Mortuary. Sample size determination: 195 autopsy reports of road traffic accident victims was reviewed during 2017-2018. Results: Among 195 case reports reviewed, most of the victims were males 81.5% and 18.5% female, male to female ratio of 4.4:1. Highest incidence of RTA was observed among the age group of 30-40yrs ie 45(23.1%) cases followed by 40-50 years having 40(20.5%) cases. The least age group involved was more than 70 years having 7(3.6%) cases. Conclusion: It is high time for concerned authority to take appropriate and immediate measures for reducing the incidences of head injury associated with RTA and thereby protecting this vulnerable group of people. Recommendation: The outcome of the study is to give proper knowledge regarding preventive measures.