Sommers et al classified injuries in women associated with sexual assault. These are divided into genital and non-genital injuries. The authors are from the University of Pennsylvania, Galen College of Nursing (Cincinnati), Utah State University, University of Cincinnati and the University of Minnesota.
Patient selection: female with nongenital injury from sexual assault
Locations examined: head and neck, trunk and back, buttocks, upper extremities, lower extremities
Parameters:
(1) redness and/or swelling
(2) bruising and/or abrasions
(3) superficial skin injury of any type (not otherwise described)
(4) laceration
(5) bone fractures
(6) attempted strangulation or choking
(7) internal organ contusion (bruising) or concussion (damage) from violent blows
|
Parameter |
Finding |
Grade |
|
redness and/or swelling |
none |
0 |
|
|
present |
1 |
|
bruising and/or abrasions |
none |
0 |
|
|
< 5 mm in size |
1 |
|
|
>= 5 mm AND <= 25% BSA |
2 |
|
|
> 25% of BSA |
3 |
|
superficial skin injury |
none |
0 |
|
|
< 5 mm |
1 |
|
|
>= 5 mm |
2 |
|
laceration |
none |
0 |
|
|
<= 25 mm AND not sutured |
2 |
|
|
> 25 mm OR require suturing |
3 |
|
bone fractures |
absent |
0 |
|
|
present |
3 |
|
strangulation/choking |
absent |
0 |
|
|
present |
3 |
|
contusion/concussion |
absent |
0 |
|
|
present |
3 |
where:
• A bruise < 5 mm in diameter seems small for nongenital injury.
• The original table did not grade a laceration 25 mm in length.
• The classification could be expanded to include injuries requiring hospitalization or surgery.
Specialty: Clinical Laboratory, Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pedatrics
ICD-10: ,
