Identification And Classification of Tattoos In Autopsies; A Retrospective Study

Identification And Classification of Tattoos

Authors

  • Hatice Kübra Ata Öztürk Department of Forensic Medicine, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Türkiye
  • Kemalettin Acar Department of Forensic Medicine, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Türkiye
  • Ayse Kurtuluş Dereli Department of Forensic Medicine, Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Türkiye

Keywords:

Tattoos, Autopsy, Suicide, Forensic Medicine

Abstract

Objective: Figures created under the skin using Indian ink or carbon are called tattoos. Each figure has different meanings such as freedom and sexuality. In forensic medicine, tattoos are used in human identification. Tattoos can help determine the origin of death by providing information about individuals' lifestyles. Our study aims to analyze the profile of tattoos, define and classify tattoos, and emphasize their importance in forensic medicine. Additionally, we wanted to reveal whether there was a difference between the origins of death in our cases.

Methods: Tattoos found in cases of natural death and suicide, who underwent autopsy between 01/01/2020-31/07/2022 in Denizli, were evaluated retrospectively. Analysis was made with the parameters of number, location, type of tattoos.

Results: In our study, tattoos were found in 19(6%) cases of natural deaths and 35(16%) cases of suicides. We did not obtain a statistically significant result in terms of the number, type, and location of tattoos between suicides and natural deaths. The mean tattoo number in suicides were higher than in natural deaths, but there was no statistically significant difference in the total number of tattoos between the two groups. Suicides tended to have a higher mean number of shape/geometric/illustrative tattoos, and animal/creature tattoos, compared to those with natural deaths.

Conclusion: Tattoos should be detailed in the autopsy, specifying their type, number, and location. Tattoo types should be classified pragmatically. To associate tattoos with suicide, psychiatric disorders and sociodemographic characteristics of individuals must be evaluated in addition to the content of the tattoo.

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Published

09.01.2025

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Section

Original Research