Citation

Hanna TN, Shuaib W, Han T, Mehta A, Khosa F. Injury 2015; 46(7): 1186-1196.

Affiliation

Division of Emergency Radiology, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.injury.2015.01.034

PMID

25724396

Abstract

Based on its intrinsic mass and velocity, a bullet has an upper limit of wounding potential. Actual wound severity is a function of the bullet construction and trajectory, as well as the properties of the tissues traversed. Interpreting physicians must evaluate the bullet trajectory and describe patterns of injury resulting from the effect of energy transfer from the projectile into living tissue. A basic understanding of firearms, projectiles, and wound ballistics can help the interpreting physicians in conceptualizing these injuries and interpreting these cases.

Language: en