Evaluation of the cases referred to İnönü University Department of Forensic Medicine between 2012-2015 for the determination of a fixed scar on the face

Aim: Our study deals with the evaluation of Fixed Scars on face (FSF) and its forensic, medical and biopsychosocial implications of facial injuries. It is emphasized that the Turkish Penal Code defines FSF as an aggravating factor of the penalty.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted based on the examinations performed for forensic medical evaluation at Malatya İnönü University.
Results: Facial injuries were analyzed in 42 cases between 2012 and 2015; the causes of injury included traffic accidents (54.8%), injury resulting from effective action (31%), explosive and firearm injuries. It was found that the most common injuries were in the forehead region (71.4%) and hyperpigmented or depressed scars were more likely to cause a positive FSF.
Conclusion: The rate of FSF was found to be 26.2% and blunt traumas were reported to cause more prominent FSF such as hyperpigmented lesions. In the study, the necessity of standardization in forensic reports was emphasized and it was stated that such studies should be increased in the literature.