Atypical Gunshot Exit Defects to the Cranial Vault

• NCJ Number: 141737
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 38 Issue: 2 Dated: (March 1993) Pages: 339-343
• Author(s): O C Smith; H E Berryman; S A Symes; J T Francisco; V Hnilica
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Two shootings with atypical cranial exit wounds, which appeared more characteristic of blunt force than gunshot trauma, were examined.

Abstract

Cranial exit wounds typically display external beveling, although researchers have noted some variation, usually attributed to keyhole phenomena and preexistent fractures. In both of the cases examined here, radial fractures caused by the exiting impact allowed passage without producing exit beveling. These cases demonstrate the continuum of the viscoelastic properties of bone and how they may affect fracture morphology throughout the energy and velocity ranges wounding objects deliver to the skull. These conclusions provide a link between the two most common types of directional forces applied to bone: broadly based, low- velocity blunt trauma and focally discriminate, high-velocity penetrating trauma. Familiarity with the biomechanics of bone fracture, radiographs, and low-power microscopy are key to interpreting other atypical wounds that evidence a morphologic mixture of elastic and plastic fracture patterns. 4 figures and 11 references