Indian Journal of Legal Medicine

The subject of Forensic Medicine is a clinical subject as per the new curriculum based medical education which requires a variety of teaching and learning modalities, similar to other subjects. There is a need for innovative teaching which involves student interaction and participation. A small group discussion (SGD’s) is one such method proven beneficial. A randomized crossover comparative study was conducted on II phase MBBS students in Forensic medicine who were exposed to both small group teaching and didactic lectures by dividing into 2 equal groups and then doing a crossover in two sessions. Evaluation was done by pre-test, post-test and feedback questionnaire of students with likert scale. Though there was no statistically significant difference between the marks obtained after Small Group discussion or didactic lectures, the perception analysis showed that majority of the students found SGD’s better than didactic lectures in terms of learning, involvement, clearing doubts, increasing self confidence etc. SGD’s can be used as an additional form of teaching in Forensic Medicine which help in increasing students’ involvement, encourage self directed learning and help in making the teaching learning process more focused. However we need to have more faculties to fulfill this and sensitization of students is also required for this.

Introduction: Forensic odontology is the branch of forensic medicine which deals with the proper handling, examination and presentation of dental evidence in the best interest of justice. The present study was conducted to determine the awareness in medical students regarding the field of forensic odontology. Material and Methods: A preformulated standardized questionnaire was circulated among 121 2nd year medical students. Results: 96.69% students knew that Forensic Odontology is branch of forensic that deals with teeth while 95.04% students correctly said that Forensic Dentistry is a branch of Forensic Medicine. Only 3.3% students knew that Forensic Dentistry is useful for identification of person. 42.14% students were aware of the most reliable method of identification. 81.81% students were aware that DNA can be obtained from teeth. However only 28.92% students knew that gender could be identified from teeth. Students were aware that age can be estimated from teeth and that Bite marks are useful for identification. Majority of the students correctly answered that the evidence of forensic dentistry is legally acceptable in court. Conclusion: Medical students were aware of the significance of the branch of forensic odontology. Practical application of the knowledge of the subject is lacking as there is deficiency of forensic dentistry department. Use of forensic odontology along with the other scientific knowledge can be used to impart swift, impartial and adequate justice.

Background: Oral viva examination is one of the assessment tools which are commonly used for formative as well as summative examination. Structured oral examination can be helpful to overcome bias of traditional oral examination. Materials and Methods: All 2nd MBBS students (Fifth semester) of GMERS Medical College, Valsad, Gujarat were subjected to structured oral examination in Forensic Medicine after obtaining their informed written consent and their perceptions regarding structured oral examination were obtained via pre-tested and pre-validated Likert scale type questionnaire (1 to 3, 1 – Don’t Agree, 2-Not Sure, 3 – Agree) regarding usefulness of structured oral examination in Forensic Medicine. Study was undertaken after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee. Data obtained were analyzed via median score and tabulated. Results: Total 138 students of 2nd MBBS (Fifth semester) were subjected to structured oral examination in Forensic Medicine subject followed by their feedback on structured oral examination via pre-tested and pre-validated Likert scale type questionnaire. Frequency and median score of various parameters of feedback given by students were calculated. Out of 138 participants, 84 were male and 54 were female. There was no statistically significant difference between perceptions of male and female participants.

In Medicolegal Autopsies, Post-Mortem Reports (PMR) are documents prepared by a Registered Medical practitioner (RMP), pertaining to injury, sexual offence, suspected poisoning or unexplained death. To perform a medico-legal autopsy, consent from the relatives of the deceased is not required. This review article deals with the purpose of the inquest and roles of the medico-legal autopsy in young female victims of crime.

Total hip and knee arthroplasty (TKA and THA) have been quoted to be some of the most successful operations and performed in an increasing number of patients every year around the world to reduce pain and improve function. Also, postoperative activity levels are disappointingly low in many patients, and around 20% of patients are socially isolated following surgery.1,2 Additionally, some of the patients report chronic pain after THA and TKA, respectively. Given the negative physical and psychological consequences of these factors on outcomes such as all-cause mortality, return to work, and leisure activities, there is a significant rehabilitation challenge for this population. The post-surgery patient’s sufferings may lead to allegations of medical negligence. Proper communication, rehabilitation strategy may be beneficial for the good outcome. Here we are presenting a case report and review of literature in relation to a case of a 47 years old lady who filed a complaint at National Human Rights Commission in which it was alleged that due to negligence and wrong treatment/operation by the doctorsat a tertiary care hospital, she became handicapped as she lost function of her both lower limbs.