Autopsy findings in victims of gunshot injuries: wound ballistic considerations based on test shots to simulants and composite models

Abstract

The focus of this review is on the experimental reproduction of gunshot injuries as observed in real autopsy cases. At the centre of considerations are the morphological features and diagnostic conclusions derived from the wound appearance. With this in mind, the technical possibilities to simulate the tissue damage are described on the basis of the pertinent literature and our own studies. In particular, the following issues are addressed: (1) the morphology of bullet entrance wounds depending on the shooting distance (contact, close range and distant shots); (2) the findings along the bullet path (with special regard to different soft tissues and the fracture patterns in bones); (3) the use of biological and synthetic simulants as target material; (4) imaging techniques and evaluation methods in one-component surrogates and composite models; (5) injuries from uncommon weapons and shooting devices.

Keywords: Artificial bone; Composite model; Experimental wound ballistics; Glycerin soap; Gunshot injury; High-speed videography; Ordnance gelatine; Simulants.