Retrospective Analysis of 24 Cases of Forensic Medical Identification on Traumatic Tympanic Membrane Perforations.

OBJECTIVES

To study the case characteristics of forensic medical identification of traumatic tympanic membrane perforations, and to discuss the key points of forensic medical identification and evaluations methods for tympanic membrane perforations.

METHODS

Twenty-four cases of traumatic tympanic membrane perforations accepted by the Academy of Forensic Science during 2017 were retrospectively analysed. The data of perforation size, form, predilection site, healing time and healing mode were evaluated.

RESULTS

For the traumatic tympanic membrane perforations, the study showed that the small size of perforation （<1/2 quadrant） with irregular shape was common. The location of perforations was almost on the anterior and inferior quadrant, and centripetal migration healing was common. The healing rate within 6 weeks was up to 90%.

CONCLUSIONS

In the identification cases of traumatic tympanic membrane perforations, the key is to determine whether it is traumatic and whether it will heal spontaneously within 6 weeks. It is suggested to check the tympanic membrane weekly by an otic endoscope combined with acoustic impedance measurement at the sixth week, which can improve the accuracy, objectivity and scientificity of the identification.