Autopsies following death due to traumatic injuries in The Netherlands: an evaluation of current practice

Abstract

Introduction: Because of a steady decline in the number of autopsies following death due to traumatic injuries, valuable information concerning possible missed injuries and potential improvements in management is lost. This retrospective study describes current practice in the Amsterdam region of the Netherlands regarding such autopsies, and their rates.

Method: The current protocols for autopsies were reviewed. Data from government databases and hospitals for the year 2005 were collected. For all patients included that died an unnatural death due to traumatic injury, causes of death and recommendations for autopsy were reviewed. The number of clinical and medico-legal autopsies was determined.

Results: Of 872 registered unnatural deaths, 414 were due to traumatic injuries; 63% of these died before reaching hospital and 37% died in hospital. There were more male deaths, and average age was 54 years. In 23% an autopsy was advised by the medical examiners, more often for pre-hospital deaths. The rate of autopsies was 46% when advice was given for a medico-legal autopsy.

Conclusion: The rates of both medico-legal and clinically desirable autopsies are very low. Currently, the system in Amsterdam focuses mainly on the former, and the latter with its attendant educational aspects is largely ignored. The role of the government should be expanded to optimise the autopsy system in unnatural deaths following traumatic injuries.