A Preliminary Study in the Variables of Thoracic Ballistic Trauma

Abstract

The terminal behaviour and trauma produced by penetrating projectiles is known to depend on the mechanical and physical properties of the tissue. Impact with bone is thought to cause injuries of greater severity due to a potential increase in bullet instability, deformation and/or fragmentation. The interaction of flat bones like the ribs and the effect of the rib cage in thoracic ballistic trauma remain unclear. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of ribs on the terminal behaviour of penetrating projectiles and the resulting trauma produced via a gelatin-based model. Three sample groups were compared: (i) plain gelatin, (ii) rib-embedded gelatin with direct rib impact, and (iii) rib-embedded gelatin with intercostal muscle penetration (between ribs). Two projectile calibers (5.56 mm and 7.62 mm) and two impact velocities (for 5.56 mm) were evaluated. The influence of ribs on the terminal effects of penetrating projectiles appears to be minimal.