REVIEW OF TERMINAL BALLISTICS OF A BULLET IN THE HUMAN BODY

Abstract

The terminal ballistics of a projectile in the human body are reviewed, both the theory, experimental data, and their implications for medical/surgical treatment. The focus of the past century has been to increase the kinetic energy of the bullet but ignoring the material from which the bullet, firing chamber, and target are made. The more efficient delivery of this kinetic energy to the target is proportional to the damage caused. The bullet causes a tract through the impacted tissues that is related to the size of the projectile, but the accompanying shock wave causes a much larger temporary cavity which, depending on the structure and elasticity of the tissue, will stay patent for only 2-4ï­sec. Surgical resection of the permanent tract containing injured tissue, bullet fragments, and contaminated material is initially performed followed by the repair of the tissues injured by the bullet.