Forensic Medicine · Autopsy & Examination of the Dead

Types of Autopsy Incisions

1 min read · Verified by professors

1. I-Shaped Incision

Method: Midline incision extending from the chin (or below chin) to the pubic symphysis.

Features:

  • Simple and quick.
  • Commonly used in infants and children.

2. Y-Shaped Incision

Method: Starts from both shoulders (or mastoid regions); the two limbs meet over the sternum and continue vertically down to the pubic symphysis.

Features:

  • Most commonly used incision.
  • Provides excellent exposure of neck and thoracic organs.

3. Modified Y-Shaped Incision

Method: Begins behind the ears or mastoid processes, passes down each side of the neck, joins over the sternum and continues to the pubis.