Most bullets made of lead alloy

Long path of bullet

• Long path of bullet

• Energy degradation occurs deep in tissues
• Large amount of damage through cavitation
• Entrance and exit wounds may be small

With higher velocities damage to tissue away from are of impact can occur

• With higher velocities damage to tissue away from are of impact can occur

• Tissue in front of projectile is compressed

• Moves away in form of shock wave
• At about speed of sound in water
• 4800 ft/sec
• Faster than bullet (except very high velocity)
• Thus, nerve impairment with bullet wound does not indicate nerve transection

Other factors in injury

• Other factors in injury

• Wadding
• Plastic
• Paper
• Cork
• Embeds into wound
• Contaminates wound, infection
• Must be identified and removed