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| Bullet wound | ||
| Etiology •Guns and bullets of various kinds | ||
| Pathogenesis • Transmission of kinetic energy to tissue; force equals 1/2 the product of mass and velocity squared. • Injury depends on how much force is applied over how much area to what kind of tissue. • Energy from the bullet will be spread along its path, not just at the entry point, | ||
| Epidemiology • Epidemic problem in the U.S. with >30,000 deaths/annum • Particular problem in children (accidental deaths) and young adults (homicide) | ||
| General Gross Description •The entrance wound is usually smaller than the exit wound, and smaller than the caliber of the bullet. •Depending upon the distance between the weapon and the victim, an entrance wound can show evidence of burns. •Additionally, small particulate injuries due to embedding of burned powder and unburned powder, etc. can be seen at the entrance wound. •The exit wound is usually significantly larger than the bullet due to the slowing of bullet during transit, non-linearity of motion, as well as accretion of tissue from within the victim that might exit with the bullet. •Examples: | ||
| General Microscopic Description •Histologically, the wounds are characterized by laceration and destruction of tissue and significant hemorrhage. •Examples: | ||
| Clinical Correlation •Can be lethal. •Skin wounds usually not the major cause of morbidity or mortality | ||
| References • Cotran RS, Kumar V, Robbins SL: Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. 5th edition. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 1994, pp. 399. • Pathology, 2nd edition: Rubin E, Farber JL (eds). Philadelphia, J.B. Lippincott, 1994, pp. 318-319 Please be patient during transfer. Medline will open in a new window. To return, close the Medline Window Bullet wound
| Synopsis by: T.V.Rajan, M.D., Ph.D. (T01000E94710)[515]
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