Heridas por proyectil de arma de fuego. Atipicidad en orificios de entrada y el fenómeno de ''cola de cometa": Reporte de caso / Gunshot wounds. Atypicality in entry holes and the "comet tail" phenomenon: Case report

El análisis de los orificios de entrada por proyectil de arma de fuego en una autopsia médico legal representa un importante papel en la determinación de la forma y causa de muerte en casos relacionados con armas de fuego. Su valoración puede proporcionar información valiosa sobre las características del arma utilizada, la distancia entre el arma de fuego y la víctima, entre otros factores que contribuyen a la investigación. El fenómeno de ''cola de cometa" observado en ciertos orificios de entrada es poco frecuente y conocido. Por lo anterior, el objetivo de este artículo es investigar las características y mecanismos de producción de los orificios de entrada con este fenómeno, proporcionando información sobre su formación, las posibles implicaciones y consideraciones médico legales a tomar en cuenta para su diagnóstico de esta causa de muerte. Se presenta un reporte de caso que destaca la descripción del fenómeno de ''cola de cometa" en una investigación forense de la vida real, proporcionando información valiosa sobre su utilidad y potencial para mejorar la precisión del análisis de heridas de bala. Se realizó revisión de artículos científicos, sobre orificios de entrada en heridas por proyectil de arma de fuego con el fenómeno de ''cola de cometa".

The analysis of firearm projectile entry holes in a medicolegal autopsy plays an important role in determining the manner and cause of death in cases involving firearms. The assessment can provide valuable information about the characteristics of the weapon used, the distance between the firearm and the victim, among other factors that contribute to the investigation. The ''comet tail" phenomenon observed in certain entry holes is rare and well known. Therefore, the objective of this article is to investigate the characteristics and mechanisms of production of the entrance orifices with this phenomenon, providing information about their formation, the possible implications, and medical-legal considerations to be taken into account for the diagnosis of this cause of death. A case report is presented highlighting the description of the ''comet tail" phenomenon in a real-life forensic investigation, providing valuable insight into its utility and potential to improve the accuracy of gunshot wound analysis. A review of scientific articles was carried out on entry holes in gunshot wounds with the "comet tail" phenomenon.

Propiedades balísticas de perdigones antidisturbios "menos letales" y su relación con trauma ocular severo en Chile / Ballistic properties of "less-lethal" shotgun pellets and severe ocular trauma in Chile

Se analiza el comportamiento balístico de dos tipos de perdigones "menos letales" usados por las fuerzas policiales en Chile para entender mejor los factores fundamentales que conllevan a la inusual cifra de lesiones oculares en el marco de las manifestaciones masivas ocurridas en Chile desde octubre de 2019. Para evaluar los riesgos de penetración y trauma ocular severo, se construyeron curvas de energía normalizada (E/a) en base a información publicada por las fuerzas policiales y fabricantes de municiones. Aun cuando el riesgo asociado al uso de las municiones según protocolos es leve, este artículo presenta que de todas formas existe riesgo de trauma ocular severo en todas las distancias de uso. La balística de los perdigones, combinada con la imprecisión de municiones multiproyec-tiles, son factores importantes para explicar la alta incidencia de trauma ocular severo. El caso de Chile es parte de un aumento global en la incidencia de lesiones oculares causadas por municiones consideradas menos letales, lo cual demanda una reevaluación de las políticas que regulan su uso.

The ballistic characteristics of two types of "less-lethal" multi-projectile shotgun rounds used by law enforcement in Chile are analyzed to better understand their contribution to the unusually high occurrence of ocular injuries at mass demonstrations since October 2019. Normalized energy (E/a) curves are constructed using publicly-available information from law enforcement and the manufacturers of the munitions to evaluate the risks of skin penetration and severe ocular trauma. Although the risk of penetration is small when these munitions are used according to local protocols, the risk of severe ocular trauma exists at all distances of approved use, and the ballistics of these pellets­along with the imprecision of multi-projectile shotgun rounds­help to explain the high inci-dence of severe ocular trauma. The example of Chile is part of a worldwide acceleration in the incidence of ocular injuries by "less-lethal" munitions and demands a reevaluation of their suitability for crowd control.

Paciente con lesiones por balística terminal / Patient with terminal ballistics lesions

Se presenta un paciente masculino de 25 años de edad que recibe herida por proyectil de arma de fuego de baja velocidad que le ocasionó lesión de estructuras de la boca y el cuello, así como oclusión trombótica de la arteria carótida interna derecha, que se expresó por hemiparesia izquierda. El lesionado recibió tratamiento quirúrgico de urgencia. El paciente egresó vivo con la secuela neurológica ya descrita y fue enviado a centro de rehabilitación. Se realiza una revisión del tema a propósito de este caso(AU)

A 25-year-old male patient is received with a closed vascular lesion caused by a low-speed gunshot to the mouth and neck area, which provoked a stroke 48 hours after the lesion due to the right carotid artery thrombotic occlusion expressed by left hemiparesis. The patient received surgical treatment and was discharged with the previously mentioned neurologic deficit. He continued treatment in a rehabilitation center. This subject was reviewed from the occurrence of this case(AU)

Considerações sobre êmbolo balístico: experiência do Hospital João XXIII / Considerations about ballistic embolism: experience at the João XXIII Hospital

A embolia balística é apresentação incomum do trauma vascular penetrante. Seu diagnostico é desafiador e o tratamento controverso. As complicações são, potencialmente, letais. O desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias permitiu mais precisão diagnóstica e terapêutica minimamente invasiva. Esta revisão apresenta experiência do Hospital João XXIII (Centro de Referência em Trauma) na condução de quatro casos envolvendoesse tipo de trauma. Observa-se grande diversidade clínica e apresenta se abordagem considerada atualmente a mais adequada.

Ballistic embolism is an unusual presentation of penetrating vascular trauma. Its diagnosis is challenging, and its treatment is controversial. The complications are potentially lethal. The development of new technologies allowed increased diagnostic accuracy and minimally invasive therapy. This review presents the experience at the João XXIII Hospital (Trauma Reference Center) in the assistance to four cases involving this type oftrauma. A great clinical diversity is observed;the currently considered the most appropriate approach is presented.

Inclusão do estudo da balística no tratamento dos ferimentos faciais por projétil de arma de fogo / Inclusion of ballistic study on management of facial wounds caused by gunshot

As lesões faciais causadas por projétil de arma de fogo podem resultar em danos significativos aos tecidos do complexo buco-maxilo-facial, que, por vezes, constituem desafio no seu tratamento e reconstrução, responsável por elevada morbidade e mortalidade, pois comprometem a vida, função e estética do paciente. A balística é a parte da mecânica que estuda os movimentos dos projéteis e as forças envolvidas na sua impulsão, trajetória e efeitos finais. O objetivo deste trabalho é aplicar os conceitos da balística no entendimento da produção dos ferimentos e utilizá-los no direcionamento dos tratamentos ideais a essas lesões. Conclui-se estabelecendo a importância do estudo de seus princípios pelo Cirurgião Buco-maxilo-facial no planejamento do tratamento, bem como na aplicação dos tratamentos adequados a essas lesões... (AU)

The facial injuries caused by the firearm projectile can result in significant damage to the tissues of the maxillofacial complex, which sometimes are challenging in their treatment and reconstruction, responsible for high morbidity and mortality, as they compromise the life, function and aesthetics of the patient. Ballistics is the branch of mechanics that studies the movements of bullets and the forces involved in its thrust, trajectory and final effects. The objective of this work is to apply the concepts of ballistics in understanding the production of injuries and use them in the direction of the ideal treatment for these lesions. We conclude by establishing the importance of studying to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon treatment planning and implementation of appropriate treatments for these injuries... (AU)

A Case Report of Spinal Cord Injury Patient From a High Velocity Gunshot Wound to the Lumbar Spine

We report on operational and rehabilitation management, as well as the outcome, of a patient who with sustained spinal cord injury from a high velocity gunshot wound to the lumbar spine. More specifically, a patient with a gunshot wound to the spine is more likely to sustain a complete injury and have a poor prognosis. As such, there should be concerns regarding associated and extended injuries related to bullet fragmentation as well as the possibility of long-term sequelae.

Management of a Gunshot Wound at the Temporal Region: Case Report

Mechanisms of injury and treatment principles of gunshot wounds

Gunshot wounds have been an important source of injury for centuries and continue to occur. The military medical communities have developed standard procedural sequences and principles that may assist and serve as references to the care of civilian gunshot wound patients. In addition to the basic understanding of the wounding patterns and potential extent of the damage caused by the ballistic characteristics of the missile, three principles need to be emphasized in the course of the treatment: timely debridement, delivery of antibiotics, and delayed closure of the wound. Despite recent innovations and improvements in medicine, the three principles still stand, and may assist even surgeons with minimal experience in treating gunshot wounds to achieve reliable results. The situation and environment of civilian medical facilities differ from those of the military in war time, and less invasive and more conservative methods may be attempted in accordance with available resources.

Conceptos básicos de balística para el Cirujano General y su aplicación en la evaluación del trauma abdominal / Basic ballistics concepts for the general surgeon and their application in the evaluation of abdominal trauma

Objetivo: Proporcionar al Cirujano General los conceptos básicos de balística que le permitirán analizar y valorar adecuadamente la intensidad de las lesiones que puede encontrar en un paciente con heridas por proyectiles de armas de fuego (HPAF). Sede: Hospital Central Militar, Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, México, D.F. Diseño: Revisión de la literatura. Material y métodos: Se analiza la definición y conceptos de balística interna, externa y terminal o de efectos y factores que afectan el comportamiento del proyectil durante su trayectoria y que, secundariamente, modificarán sus efectos en los tejidos corporales. Resultados: La energía cinética que corresponde a la energía liberada es producto de la masa (peso y tamaño del proyectil) por la velocidad del mismo al cuadrado entre dos; por tanto a mayor tamaño del proyectil, es mayor la energía liberada (un proyectil con el doble de masa que otro libera el doble de energía) y a mayor velocidad, mayor energía (el doble de velocidad, aumenta 4 veces la energía liberada). Los factores que afectan el comportamiento del proyectil durante su trayectoria y que, secundariamente, modificarán sus efectos en los tejidos corporales, son: velocidad, perfil, estabilidad, poder de expansión y/o fragmentación y la presencia de impactos secundarios. La velocidad probablemente sea el factor más importante en la evaluación de una HPAF, ya que es la que determina la trayectoria del proyectil, a mayor velocidad la trayectoria es más recta y si la distancia es corta el proyectil mantiene prácticamente toda su energía. Los proyectiles no son estériles al expulsarse, por lo que es de capital importancia considerar contaminada cualquier herida por proyectil de arma de fuego que se presente e iniciar de inmediato un esquema de antibióticos apropiado. Las únicas indicaciones válidas para extraer un PAF serían cuando se encuentren intracardiacos, intra-articulares o en la proximidad de una articulación y/o vaso importante. Conclusión: Los factores que un cirujano debe considerar para evaluar el posible potencial de daño tisular en caso de heridas por proyectiles de arma de fuego son: tipo de arma, distancia a la que se hizo el disparo, debe intentar conocer el sitio del impacto determinando el orificio de entrada y la posición de la víctima al recibir el impacto; como factores auxiliares debe conocerse el número de disparos. Una vez en presencia de la lesión, determinar la severidad de la misma conociendo las características físicas de los diferentes tejidos y su resistencia al daño.

Objective: To provide basic ballistic concepts to the General Surgeons that will allow him/her to analyze and assess adequately the intensity of the injuries that might be encountered in a patient with gunshot wounds. Setting: Central Military Hospital, National Defense Ministry, Mexico City. Design: Review of the literature. Material and methods: We analyzed the definitions and concepts of internal, external, and terminal ballistics or of the effects and factors that affect the behavior of a bullet during its trajectory, which will, in consequence, modify its effects on body tissues. Results: Kinetic energy, which corresponds to the energy released, is given by the product of mass (weight and size of the bullet) by its velocity to the square and divided by two; hence, the greater the size of a bullet, the greater will be the released energy (a bullet twice more mass than another will release twice the energy) and at a higher velocity, higher energy (a two-fold velocity increases four-times the released energy). The factors that affect the behavior of a bullet during its trajectory and that will, in consequence, modify its effects on body tissues are: velocity, profile, stability, expansion and/or fragmentation potential, and the presence of secondary impacts. Velocity is probably the most important factor in the evaluation of a gunshot wound, as this determines the trajectory of the bullet, the greater the velocity, trajectory will be straighter and if the distance is short the bullet will keep practically all its energy. Bullets are not sterile, hence it is very important to consider as contaminated any gunshot wound and to start immediately an appropriate antibiotics scheme. The only valid indications to extract a bullet would be when they are placed intracardially, intra-joints or very near to a joint and/or an important vessel. Conclusion: The factors to be taken into acount by a surgeon to assess the potential tissular damage in cases of gunshot wounds are: type of firearm, distance at which the shot was made, the surgeon must attempt to know the site of the impact by determining the entrance orifice and the position of the victim at the time of receiving the shot. As additional factors, the number of shots must be known. In the presence of an injury, the surgeon must determine its severity by knowing the physical characteristics of the diverse tissues and their resistance to the damage.

Dynamic simulation and finite element analysis of gunshot wounds to the center of mandible mental region in human / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To establish a finite element model of gunshot wound on the maxillofacial region in human, and to Conduct dynamic simulation and analysis of the injury process and degree of gunshot wounds to the center of mandible mental region, so as to explore a new method for establishing a gunshot wound model of human mandible. Methods: Based on the existing modeling method and internal parameters, digital CT scan data of human mandible were used to establish a three-dimensional finite element model of human mandible, which was used to dynamically simulate the process of gunshot wounds to the center of mandible mental region under different shot conditions. The residual velocities of the shootings with different projectiles at different entry angles and different impact velocities were calculated; the energy loss of the projectile and therate of energy loss after exiting the mandible were also calculated; and the obtained data were compared and analyzed. Results: The dynamic processes of gunshot wounds to the center of mandible mental region with two projectiles, three impact velocities, and three entry angles were successfully simulated. Meanwhile, thes imulation was also done for the stress distribution in different parts of mandible after injury. Computation and the analysis of the modeling data showed that these verity of injuries and the injury efficiency of projectiles differed with different injury conditions. Conclusion: Finite element model can dynamically simulate the injury process of gunshot wounds to the center of mandible mental region. It is found that the injury severity on mandible and the injury efficiency vary under different injury conditions. The finite element model is a potentially ideal model for studying the maxillofacial gunshot wounds.

J. F. K: el crimen del siglo / J. F. K: the crime of the century

El asesinato del presidente John F. Kennedy, el 22 de noviembre de 1963 a las 12:30 p.m., ha sido considerado el crimen del siglo XX. Se hace un recuento de los hallazgos de la atención primaria en el Parkland Memorial, la autopsia y hallazgos radiológicos descritos por los médicos y publicado en la revista J.A.M.A.

The murder of the president John F. Kennedy, on Novermber 22nd of 1963 at 12:30 P. M. has been regarded as the crime of the XX century. An account is presented about the primary care findings at Parkland Memorial as well as the autopsy and radiologic findings described by physicians and published in the JAMA magazine.

Some Suggestions for Research on Wound Ballistics / 中华创伤杂志

After looking back the history of research on wound ballistics and discussing the present situation of research on ballistic characteristics of wounding agents, mechanism of woundins, assessment of wounding capacity and devitalized tissues, etc. the following suggestions are put forward: 1. The study of wound ballistics, blast injury, and impact injury is able to be combined and complemented each other. 2. Interdisciplinary cooperation for elucidating the mechanism of wounding is necessary. 3. Based on the animal experiment, the clinical study on war wounds should be streshtened. 4. Some theories or points of view on wound ballistics need to be reviewed or even corrected.