Incised wound which is not a feature ?
**Core Concept**
An incised wound is a type of cut injury caused by a sharp instrument, characterized by a clean, linear cut with specific morphological features. The key features include the direction of the wound, blade dimensions, and the appearance of wound margins, which are critical in distinguishing between accidental and intentional injuries.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In incised wounds, the margins are typically **smooth and sharp**, not inverted. Inversion of the wound margins (i.e., the edges curling inward) is a feature of **puncture wounds**, not incised wounds. Incised wounds are caused by a blade moving in a straight line, resulting in a clean cut with well-defined, straight margins. The length of the wound is usually the greatest dimension (Option A), and the width is typically less than the blade thickness (Option B). Hesitation cuts, which are irregular, jagged, or interrupted cuts, are indeed seen in suicidal attempts (Option D), making this a common feature in intentional self-harm.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
Option A: The length is indeed the greatest dimension in incised wounds, as the blade moves in a straight line, so this is a valid feature.
Option B: The width of the wound is generally less than the thickness of the blade, so this statement is accurate and consistent with incised wounds.
Option D: Hesitation cuts (interruptions in the cut) are commonly observed in suicidal attempts and are a hallmark of intentional self-harm, making this a valid feature.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Always remember: **Inverted margins = puncture wound**, **smooth, straight margins = incised wound**. This distinction is vital in forensic medicine to determine the nature of injury and intent.
β Correct Answer: C. Margins are inveed