Question 1

Q: What is meant by Falanga?

Beating on the soles with a blunt object. **Explanation:** **Falanga** (also known as bastinado) is a form of physical torture involving repeated beating on the **soles of the feet** with a blunt object, such as a rod, cane, or truncheon. 1. **Why Option A is Correct:** The medical significance of Falanga lies in its ability to cause intense pain and long-term disability without necessarily leaving obvious external marks initially. It leads to "closed compartment syndrome" of the small compartments of the feet, causing muscle necrosis, vascular damage, and chronic myofascial pain. Over time, it can result in permanent gait disturbances and the collapse of the plantar arches. 2. **Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Option B (Beating on the ear):** This is known as **Telephono**. It involves slapping both ears simultaneously with cupped palms, which can cause sudden air pressure changes leading to tympanic membrane rupture. * **Option C (Beating on the abdomen):** While common in custodial torture, it does not have a specific eponymous name like Falanga. * **Option D (Suspension by wrists):** This is referred to as **Strappado** or "Palestinian Hanging." It often leads to shoulder dislocation and brachial plexus injuries. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Diagnosis:** In chronic cases, MRI or Ultrasound may show thickening of the plantar fascia and atrophy of the intrinsic foot muscles. * **Other Torture Terms:** * **Submarino:** Forced immersion of the head in water (near-drowning). * **Dry Submarino:** Suffocation using a plastic bag over the head. * **Cheek burning:** Known as the "cigarette burn" sign. * **Istanbul Protocol:** The international guideline for the documentation of torture and its consequences.

Question

What is meant by Falanga?

Accepted Answer

Beating on the soles with a blunt object

Answer

Beating on the ear with both palms

Answer

Beating on the abdomen

Answer

Suspension by wrists

Clinical Forensic Medicine — MCQs

Clinical Forensic Medicine — MCQs

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