Javed Iqbal Khokhar, Sadaf Nadir, Muhammad Iqbal.
Chest: The Most Targeted Area in Homicidal Firearms Fatalities in Lahore.
Med Forum Jan ;2(8):31-4.

Objective: This study was carried out with an objective to find out the most targeted areas amongst the vital areas aimed in homicidal firearm fatalities in Lahore. This study is particularly aimed to analyze the homicidal fire-arms related deaths in Lahore during the period of 2006-2008. The objective is not only to find out the cause and manner of death but also to know the most targeted vital region on the body in homicidal fire-arms deaths. Study Design: Retrospective study Place and Duration: This study was carried out at Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, King Edward Medical University, which is one of the main autopsy centers at Lahore during the period from 2006 to 2008. Materials and Methods: The study included all the firearm fatalities, on which the autopsy was conducted. Results: Out of 2979 total autopsies, firearm fatalities were 1285 cases (43.13%). Male were 83% as compared to Females, which were 17%. The highest incidence was of 3rd decade of age 38.9%. Homicides were 61.32%, suicide 3.58%, accidental 7.55% and 27.55% undetermined. Highest homicidal incidence was in 3rd decade 38.58%, then suicidal 39.13% in 2nd decade and accidental 30.93% in 3rd decade. Rifled firearm weapons were used in 92% of cases and non-rifled in 8%. With rifled 52.9% had multiple entry wounds and 47% had single entry? And non-rifled caused 66% single entries and 34% multiple entries. Distant wounds were in 69.6% in homicidal deaths and close range wounds were 30.4%. Regarding the targeted areas, the most frequent vital area involved was chest 44.2%, then was head 37.58% and followed by abdomen which was 36.65%.

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