Attached
Self-embedding is a form of self-injury where foreign objects are
inserted underneath the skin. Though it is reported in scientific
literature, it is not being reported in forensic literature.
In the year 2010, a housemaid returned from Saudi Arabia with 24
nails and needles in her body. After arrival, she had not informed
that she had been tortured by the employer.
In the year 2013, another Sri Lankan housemaid from Middle East
admitted to hospital with needles in her body alleged that needles
being inserted by her master. X-rays showed 4 needles in her face
and limbs, placed parallel to the skin surface. She would have selfembedded these needles in a way to escape from employer.
There are cases of self-inflicted injuries in people with Munchausen
syndrome, where people simulate trauma or illness in order to draw
attention.
In conclusion, ‘the medico-legal significance of self-embedding of
foreign objects’ is a new concept where the forensic physician has
to exclude ‘torture’ by a third party before ascertaining the concept
of self-harm. Multiple foreign objects, found parallel to body
surface, at accessible sites and accessible directions to push foreign
bodies between the thumb and index finger favors self-embedding
