Evaluation of the role of forensic autopsies in making decisions about claims of medical malpractice in Istanbul

The present study aims to investigate cases for which there was a claim of medical malpractice, to evaluate the role of autopsy in decisions about medical malpractice. A total of 306 cases for which there were claims of medical malpractice and for which autopsies were performed in Istanbul between 2006 and 2010 were retrospectively analysed. Age, gender, duration of hospitalization, decisions of medical malpractice, and specializations of the physicians who were found responsible for medical malpractice were evaluated. The clinical diagnosis and autopsy diagnosis of these cases were also evaluated retrospectively. The cases with or without major diagnostic changes have been compared regarding aspects of year, age groups, duration of hospitalization, and specializations of the staff who were accused of medical malpractice. Of the cases, 185 (60.46%) were males and the mean age was 37.2 years. The intrauterine and perinatal death group formed the largest group with a total of 70 cases (22.9%). Physicians constituted the largest group found to be guilty of medical malpractice. Eighty-one (26.5%) of the cases were concluded to show medical malpractice. The major change was 45.4%. The major change in autopsy was found to be statistically significant in cases with medical malpractice. In conclusion, autopsy is still the most important means for ensuring quality control for clinical applications

A comparative study of marginal fit of copings prepared with various techniques on different implant abutments

This study evaluated fabrication techniques of recently introduced all-ceramic copings' marginal adaptation on two different implant abutments with different finish lines. Five different copings were prepared (Casted chrome-cobalt metal coping, Zirkonzahn, Cercon, In Ceram Alumina and IPS e.max Press) on two cementable implant abutments with two marginal designs. Ten samples for each coping group were prepared (totally 100 samples). Copings were cemented to implant abutments and marginal gap measurements were done from 24 points with stereomicroscope and the datas were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test before cementation. Cercon copings showed the lowest marginal fit scores and metal copings showed the highest scores. After cementation, all marginal gap values have been increased. All marginal gap values obtained from crown copings can be considered in clinically acceptable limits (<120 mu m) except metal copings after cementation on abutment with 135 degrees shoulder group (123 mu m)

Fatal injury by an unmodified blank pistol: A case report and review of the literature

In this paper, we report a fatal neck injury of suicidal origin of a 29-year-old man. A 9-mm blank pistol and several blank cartridges in a plastic bag were discovered near the victim. There was an irregular and contuse oval contact-entrance wound of 25 mm x 20 mm with a muzzle imprint on its upper medial part on the right side of the neck. The cause of death was exsanguination due to injuries to the right external carotid artery and the right jugular vein. This case confirms that blank pistols, contrary to public opinion, are dangerous and may inflict potentially fatal injuries when fired at close or contact range. In addition, previously reported 18 fatal injuries by blank cartridges caused by unmodified blank pistols between 1990 and 2009 are reviewed and summarized. It is concluded that as blank pistols may cause fatal injuries even without any modification, it is necessary to develop new standards for their production. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved

Evaluation of Forensic Deaths During the Month of Ramadan in Konya, Turkey, Between 2000 and 2009

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslim people and includes long fasting periods. During Ramadan, practicing Muslims not only fast, but they also abstain from any kind of medication, smoking, sexual intercourse, and alcohol from sunrise to sunset. In the 10-year period between 2000 and 2009, it was determined that a total of 4881 death examinations and autopsies were performed at the Konya Branch of the Forensic Medicine Council (Turkey). All of the reports were retrospectively evaluated for demographic features of the cases and the manner of death. In the studied time period, a total of 491 deaths (10.1%) occurred in Ramadan. The manner of death was accident in 369 (75.2%) of the cases in Ramadan, 3107 (70.8%) of the other cases; suicide in 27 (5.5%) of the cases in Ramadan, 367 (8.4%) of the other cases; and homicide in 28 (5.7%) of the cases in Ramadan, 375 (8.5%) of the other cases. There was a significant statistical difference in terms of the manner of death between the deaths in Ramadan and in the remaining part of the year (P < 0.05). Our study suggested that there was an increase in accidental and natural deaths and a decrease in suicide and homicides in Ramadan