A Statistical Observation of Unusual Deaths in Cheju, 1977 : An Analysis of Medico-Legal Autopsy and Inspection Cases.

Korean J Leg Med. 1998 Oct;22(2):25-31. Korean.

Department of Forensic Medicine, Cheju National University College of Medicine, Korea.

The aim of this study was to reveal the current status of forensic practice in Cheju province. Data used for this study was based on both autopsy reports and records of postmortem inspection with brief history derived from criminal divisions of all of three police agencies in Cheju. The range of subjects was limited to unusual deaths occurring in Cheju province during the year of 1997. Traffic accidents were excluded in this in Cheju province during the year of 1997. Traffic accidents were excluded in this category. All subjects were reviewed with respect to age, sex, cause of death and manner of death.The results were as follows;1. The total number of unusual deaths was 220, of these 170 cases(77.3%) were males and 50(22.7%) were females.2. In age distribution, the age group of 40-49 occupied the highest proportion(25.9%).3. According to the manner of death, the cases of violent deaths were 175(79.5%), natural deaths;33(15.0%), and unknown cases ;12(5.5%).4. For the violent deaths, the percentage of accidental death was 50.9 and suicide;32.0, homicide;5.1, undetermined cases;12.0.5. According to the cause of death, asphyxia was the most common (101cases, 45.9% of the unusual death), followed by injury(18.2%) and disease(15%).6. Among 101 deaths of asphyxia, 61(60.4%) were deaths due to drowning.7. The total number of autopsy was 56 (25.5% of total unusual death).8. Twelve cases(5.5%) remained as deaths of unknown cause and unknown manner without further postmortem examination.