## Definition and Key Distinction **Key Point:** An incised wound is characterized by length being greater than depth, whereas a stab wound has depth equal to or greater than length. ### Incised Wound Features - Length > Depth (defining characteristic) - Clean, sharp edges with minimal tissue damage - Caused by sharp instruments (knife, razor, glass) - Wound edges gape apart due to skin elasticity - Bleeding is usually profuse but controllable - Minimal surrounding tissue trauma ### Stab Wound Features - Depth ≥ Length (defining characteristic) - Narrow opening with deep penetration - May have tissue bridging across the wound - Can damage deeper structures (organs, blood vessels) - Edges may be bruised if weapon has blunt edges - Risk of internal hemorrhage is higher **High-Yield:** The length-to-depth ratio is the PRIMARY forensic criterion for distinguishing these two wound types. This distinction is crucial for determining the type of weapon and mechanism of injury. ### Clinical Pearl In autopsy and forensic examination, measuring both length and depth of the wound is mandatory. A wound that appears small externally but has significant depth suggests a stab injury, which carries higher mortality risk due to potential organ damage.
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