Application of an X-ray probe for measuring and determining the spatial position of a wound channel during forensic veterinary examination
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31210/spi2025.28.04.22Keywords:
forensic veterinary examination, animals, wound injuries, wound tract, radiographic probe, investigationAbstract
The study and analysis of the parameters of wounds caused by sharp instruments, particularly the wound tract, play an important role in the diagnosis and assessment of injuries in animals. The relevance of this topic lies in the specific features of the etiopathogenesis and pathophysiology of such injuries, as well as the need to improve diagnostic methods and develop clear algorithms for conducting forensic veterinary examinations. This paper presents the application of an original radiographic probe for examining and determining the spatial orientation of the wound tract, establishes its practical effectiveness in forensic veterinary expertise, and evaluates the prospects for further use of the instrument, taking into account its properties. It is shown that the instrument has a cylindrical, hollow structure with a diameter ranging from 3 to 5 mm and a variable length. Its distal end is blunt. The probe surface is marked with 1 cm graduations. A key feature of the radiographic probe is the ability to fill its cylindrical tube with a radiopaque contrast agent (Omnipaque, Ultravist) via a dedicated connector. Examination of the wound tract is performed by carefully inserting the probe into the animal’s wound channel, followed by radiography of the affected body region. The radiographic image clearly visualizes the projection of the probe, allowing accurate determination of the spatial location of the wound tract in any part of the body. It has been demonstrated that the design of the developed instrument possesses several important characteristics: the ability to precisely penetrate narrow cavities; the capability to determine and measure the depth of the wound tract due to the surface markings on the probe; and an optimal balance of rigidity and flexibility for the examination of tortuous wound tracts. The instrument enables identification of the location and depth of a foreign object within the wound tract and ensures its visualization on radiographs. In addition, it is characterized by long-term preservation of operational properties, resistance to fracture under lateral loads, reusability, ease of manufacturing new units, and compliance with ergonomic requirements. The main aspects of effectiveness are considered, including the accuracy of the data obtained, ease of use for the forensic veterinary expert, and the probe’s ability to adapt to a wide variety of wound types. The application of the proposed instrument will contribute to increasing the informativeness of studies in the field of forensic veterinary wound examination.
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