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.

Trauma Craneoencefálico por Proyectil de Arma de Fuego: Revisión Temática / Traumatic brain injury (TBI) by a firearm projectile: thematic review / Traumatismo cranioencefálico por projétil de arma de fogo: revisão temática

Resumen El trauma craneoencefálico (TCE) por proyectil de arma de arma de fuego (PAF) es una condición severa producida por alteraciones mecánicas sobre el encéfalo. En Colombia, uno de cada cinco homicidios se produce a nivel craneal. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión de la literatura para identificar los aspectos médico-legales y clínico-quirúrgicos del TCE por PAF. Metodología: Revisión realizada por medio de búsqueda en bases de datos de literatura médica y recopilación de datos publicados por entidades gubernamentales. Resultados: El TCE por PAF, es un evento epidemiológicamente constante, cuyos patrones se relacionan con la presencia de conflictos armados. Se asocia con manifestaciones clínicas y complicaciones severas asociadas con variables como el tipo de arma y munición, sexo de la víctima, región principal de lesión y mecanismo de muerte. La mortalidad de este evento es muy alta si no se realiza intervención quirúrgica; y de hacerlo, las lesiones determinan la reducción de la expectativa y calidad de vida. Conclusión: El conflicto armado actual de Colombia, hace del TCE por PAF un tema de importancia criminológica, criminalística y médico-legal.

Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a firearm projectile (FAP) is a severe condition produced by mechanical alterations on the encephalon. In Colombia, one in every five killings is produced at cranial level. Objective: to do a literature review to identify the medical-legal and clinic-surgical issues of TBI by FAP. Methodology: a review conducted by means of medical literature databases searching and data gathering published by governmental entities. Results: TBI by FAP is an event epidemiologically constant; and its standards are related to the presence of the armed conflicts. It is associated with clinical manifestations and severe medical complications connected with diverse variables such as type of weapons and ammunition, sex of the victims, main region of the lesion and death mechanism. If the surgical operation is not performed, the mortality in this event is very high, but if the surgery is carried out, the lesions determine the decrease of life expectancy and quality. Conclusion: the current Colombian armed conflict makes TBI by FAP a topic of criminological, criminalistics and medical-legal relevance.

Resumo O Traumatismo Cranioencefálico (TCE) por Projétil de Arma de Fogo (PAF) é uma condição severa causada por alterações mecânicas sobre o encéfalo. Na Colômbia, um em cada cinco homicídios é producido na zona craniana. Objetivo: realizar uma revisão de literatura para identificar os aspectos médico-legais e clínico-cirúrgicos do TCE por PAF. Metodologia: revisão realizada por meio de busca em bases de dados da literatura médica e coleta de dados publicados por entidades governamentais. Resultados: o TCE por PAF é um evento epidemiologicamente constante, cujos padrões relacionam-se à presença de conflito armado. Associa-se a manifestações clínicas e complicações graves vinculadas a diversas variáveis, como o tipo de arma e munição, sexo da vítima, lugar principal da lesão e mecanismo da morte. A mortalidade, decorrente desse evento, é muito alta caso não seja realizada intervenção cirúrgica. No pós-cirúrgico, as lesões determinam a redução da expectativa e da qualidade de vida. Conclusão: o conflito armado atual na Colômbia faz do TEC por PAF um tema de importancia criminológica, criminalística e médico-legal.

Análisis comparativo del micro-rayado en estrías de proyectiles calibre 7. 65 milímetros y 32 de fabricación Indumil: disparados con revólver Llama Cassidy calibre 32 largo / Comparative analysis of a micro-Grove 7. 65 and 32 millimeter projectile of Indumil manufacture, shot by a Cassidy 32 long Llama revolver / A análise comparativa de micro-aranhões em estrias dos projetils calibre 7. 65 milímetros e 32 da manufatura Indumil: atirados com revólver Llama Cassidy calibre 32 longo

Resumen El perito en balística de la Policía Nacional de Colombia, dentro de sus funciones, realiza el procedimiento de cotejo microscópico de vainillas y proyectiles disparados con armas de fuego, dentro del cual se encuentra el análisis de las características de clase, subclase e identidad a proyectiles cuya constitución no es la misma, como es el caso que se ha evidenciado, donde los cartuchos calibre 7.65 mm (para pistola) son utilizados en los revólveres calibre .32 largo; el objetivo del estudio es efectuar un análisis comparativo del micro-rayado de las estrías entre dichos proyectiles; se utilizó el método de observación científica, con enfoque cuantitativo de tipo comparativo, el cual permitió evidenciar que el nivel de uniprocedencias, al realizar cotejos entre estrías de proyectiles calibre 7.65 mm encamisado y .32 largo en plomo, es muy bajo; este resultado se logró documentar y consolidar en una tabla de datos, que al someterla al sistema estadístico obtuvo la cuantificación, disposición y análisis de las observaciones. Se llegó a la conclusión de que no es viable realizar cotejos microscópicos de proyectiles cuyas constituciones sean diferentes, como es el caso de las balas calibre 7.65 mm (encamisado) y .32 largo (plomo); de esta manera se orientan los procedimientos de los profesionales en balística.

Abstract The expert in ballistics of the National Police of Colombia, among its functions is in charge of performing performs the procedure of microscopic comparison of vanillas and projectiles shot with firearms, within which is the analysis of the class, subclass and identity features of projectiles with a constitution differing from each other like in the case having been demonstrated, where 7.65 mm caliber cartridges (for pistols) are used in .32 long caliber revolvers. The objective of the study is to carry out a comparative analysis between micro-scratching present in these projectiles; the scientific observation method was used with a quantitative approach allowing for demonstrating that the level of uni procedences or uni provenances at the time of making comparisons between out grooves of out comparing among to 7.65 mm jacketed he grooves said projectiles; the scientific observation was used, with a quantitative approach of a comparative type, which showed that the level of uni procedences or uni provenances at the time of carrying out en projectiles caliber 7.65 mm jacketed and .32 long lead, is very low; this result was documented and consolidated in a data table, which when subjected to the statistical system obtained the quantification, disposition and analysis of the observations. It was concluded that it is not feasible to perform microscopic comparisons of projectiles whose constitutions are different, as is the case with bullets caliber 7.65 mm (jacketed) and .32 long (lead); in this way the procedures of ballistics professionals are oriented.

Resumo O perito na balística da Policia Nacional da Colômbia, dentro das suas funções, faz o procedimento de comparação microscópica dos cartuchos e os projéteis disparados com armas de fogo, dentro da qual está a análise das características da classe, subclasse e da identidade aos projéteis cuja constituição não é a mesma, como é o caso que foi demonstrado, onde os cartuchos calibre 7.65 milímetros (para a pistola) são usados nos revólveres calibre .32 longo; o objetivo do estudo é realizar uma análise comparativa dos micro-aranhões das estrias entre estes projéteis; o método usado foi a observação científica, com aproximação quantitativa do tipo comparativo, que permitiu demonstrar que o nível das uni-procedências, quando fazer comparações entre estrias dos projéteis calibre 7.65 milímetros encamisado e .32 longo em chumbo, é muito baixo; este resultado logrou-se documentar e consolidar em uma tabela dos dados, que quando é submetida ao sistema estatístico obteve-se a quantificação, a disposição e a análise das observações. A conclusão foi que não é viável fazer comparações microscópicas dos projéteis cujas constituições são diferentes, como é o caso das balas calibre 7.65 milímetros (encamisado) e .32 longo (chumbo); assim os procedimentos dos profissionais na balística são orientados.

Simulation and Observation of Vertical Cast-off Bloodstain Pattern / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the characteristics of vertical cast-off bloodstain pattern by different hitting-tools.@*METHODS@#The regular hitting tools, a kitchen knife, a dirk, a plane set-hammer and an iron pipe, were selected. At a distance of 30 cm away from the wall, the hitting tool with 5 mL fresh chicken blood made the cast-off bloodstain from top to bottom. Then the holistic distribution characteristics (length, width and density) of cast-off bloodstain and morphology characteristics (length, width and contact angle) of first single cast-off bloodstain were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The distribution length of cast-off bloodstain formed by dirk was minimum (P < 0.05). The distribution width of cast-off bloodstain formed by kitchen knife was minimum (P < 0.05). Except the pair of kitchen knife and plane set-hammer, the distribution density between each two tools had statistical differences (P < 0.05). The length of first single cast-off bloodstain formed by plane set-hammer was longest compared (P < 0.05). The width of first single cast-off bloodstain had statistical differences between kitchen knife and plane set-hammer, and between dirk and plane set-hammer (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The type of hitting tool could be inferred by the specific characteristics of cast-off bloodstain pattern formed by every specific type of hitting tool in crime scene.

Partitioning model of the adsorptionof explosives from soils to determineits environmental fate / Modelo de compartimentación de la absorción de explosivosde suelos para determinar su destino ambiental / Modelo de compartimentação da adsorção dos explosivosdos solos para determinar seu destino ambiental

The purpose of this research was to identify the principalsoil characteristics that influence the adsorption of munitionsconstituents (MC) of explosives in soils, through a partitioningmodel to determine the fate of the explosives. Todo that, batch experiments near 1:1 (w/v) soil to solution ratiosreflecting field conditions were conducted using a mixtureof HMX, RDX, nitroglycerine (NG), nitroguanidine (NQ),TNT and 2,4-dinitrotoluene as MC, where the mix of MC wasadsorbed in twenty-five different soils that varied from 4.0to 43.2 % clay content and 0.07 to 18.23 % total carbon, in anexperiment that involved 2 days of adsorption followed byfour consecutive desorption steps. The most important resultwas that for each MC, even if it was in a mixture, were successfullypredicted the partition coefficients using the organiccarbon, cation exchange capacity and extractable iron as theprincipal soil characteristics that determine the fate of theseexplosives.

El objeto de esta investigación consistió en identificar lasprincipales características de suelo que influyen en la adsorciónde constituyentes de municiones (CM) en suelos, medianteun modelo de compartimentación, para determinar eldestino de esos explosivos. Para hacerlo, se llevaron a caboexperimentos de lote (“batch experiments”), de relacionesde cerca de 1:1 (w/v) entre suelo y solución, que reflejabancondiciones de campo, empleando una mezcla de HMX, RDX,nitroglicerina (NG), nitroguanidina (NQ), TNT y 2,4-dinitrotoluenocomo CM, en donde la mezcla de CM fue adsorbida enveinticinco suelos diferentes, que variaban desde 4,0 a 43,2 %de contenido de arcilla y de 0,07 a 18,23 % de carbono total,en un experimento que implicó dos días de adsorción seguidospor cuatro pasos consecutivos de desorción. El resultadomás importante consistió en que para cada CM, incluso enuna mezcla, se predijeron exitosamente los coeficientes departición empleando el carbono orgánico, la capacidad deintercambio catiónico y hierro extraíble, como característicasprincipales del suelo que determinan el destino de talesexplosivos.

A finalidade desta pesquisa era identificar as característicasprincipais do solo que influenciam a adsorção dos constituintesde munições (MC) dos explosivos nos solos, atravésde um modelo de compartimentação para determinar odestino dos explosivos. Para fazer a pesquisa, experimentosem lote perto do solo de 1:1 (w/v) das proporções da soluçãoque refletem condições do campo foram conduzidasusando uma mistura de HMX, de RDX, nitroglicerina (NG),de nitroguanidina (NQ), TNT e 2.4-dinitrotolueno como MC,onde a mistura de MC adsorvida em vinte e cinco solos diferentesque variaram o índice da argila de 4.0 a 43. 2% eo carbono total de 0.07 a 18.23 %, em uma experiência quedemandou 2 dias da adsorção seguidos por quatro etapasconsecutivas de dessorção. O resultado o mais importantefoi que para cada MC, mesmo se estivesse em uma mistura,os coeficientes de partição foram preditos com sucessousando o carbono orgânico, a capacidade de troca e o ferroextraível como as características principais do solo que determinamo destino destes explosivos.

Trauma no complexo craniomaxilofacial causado por projétil de arma de fogo - revisão de literatura e relato de caso / Trauma in craniomaxillofacial complex caused by firearm projectile - literature review and case report

Os traumatismos por projétil de arma de fogo são frequentes na prática bucomaxilofacial. As lesões causadas por esses projéteis e fragmentos constituem um desafio ao cirurgião, resultando em consequências estéticas e funcionais devastadoras. A atenção e a conduta terapêutica precisa visam à diminuição de complicações e sequelas. Vários fatores influenciam neste tipo de ferimento, tornando complexo o tratamento inicial e o definitivo pela imprevisibilidade desses. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar os aspectos técnicos do tratamento, através de uma revisão de literatura, bem como relatar um caso de trauma de face causado por projétil de arma de fogo, propondo a necessidade de um protocolo de atendimento baseado num maior conhecimento balístico e fisiopatológico objetivando diminuir a morbimortalidade.

Injuries caused by firearms projectiles are common in maxillofacial practice. These injuries constitute a challenge to the surgeon because they may have aesthetic and functional devastating consequences. Attention and precise therapy aim at reducing complications and sequelae. Several factors influence this type of injury, making complex initial care and definitive treatment more complex due to their unpredictability. The aim of this work was to present the technical aspects involved in the treatment, through a literature review and report the case of a patient with facial trauma caused by a firearm projectile; and suggests that a service protocol based on greater knowledge about ballistic pathophysiology is required in order to decrease the morbidity and mortality of this type of trauma.

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.

Peripheral arterial embolism of pellets after shotgun injury to the abdomen: A case report.

Dealing with shotgun injury to the abdomen it is important to be aware of the possibility of missile emboli and their potential clinical effects because it usually causes vascular trauma but intravascular missile embolism is relatively rare. Vascular trauma following shotgun injuries may involve laceration of the vessel wall, pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula or missile embolism. A pellet embolus should be suspected in all cases where gunshot entry wound is present with or without an exit wound. We recently encountered a case of a close-range shotgun injury to the abdomen with subsequent embolisation of pellets to bifurcation of popliteal artery both lower limbs. However, pellet embolus is asymptomatic, there is still debate over best management because conservative management avoids surgical risks and operative removal prevents the possibility of embolus related life threatening complications. This case shows that it is necessary to do whole body imaging in all cases of shotgun injury whether exit wound present or not.

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.

Realistic Anatomical Prostate Models for Surgical Skills Workshops Using Ballistic Gelatin for Nerve-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy and Fruit for Simple Prostatectomy

PURPOSE: Understanding of prostate anatomy has evolved as techniques have been refined and improved for radical prostatectomy (RP), particularly regarding the importance of the neurovascular bundles for erectile function. The objectives of this study were to develop inexpensive and simple but anatomically accurate prostate models not involving human or animal elements to teach the terminology and practical aspects of nerve-sparing RP and simple prostatectomy (SP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The RP model used a Foley catheter with ballistics gelatin in the balloon and mesh fabric (neurovascular bundles) and balloons (prostatic fascial layers) on either side for the practice of inter- and intrafascial techniques. The SP model required only a ripe clementine, for which the skin represented compressed normal prostate, the pulp represented benign tissue, and the pith mimicked fibrous adhesions. A modification with a balloon through the fruit center acted as a "urethra." RESULTS: Both models were easily created and successfully represented the principles of anatomical nerve-sparing RP and SP. Both models were tested in workshops by urologists and residents of differing levels with positive feedback. CONCLUSIONS: Low-fidelity models for prostate anatomy demonstration and surgical practice are feasible. They are inexpensive and simple to construct. Importantly, these models can be used for education on the practical aspects of nerve-sparing RP and SP. The models will require further validation as educational and competency tools, but as we move to an era in which human donors and animal experiments become less ethical and more difficult to complete, so too will low-fidelity models become more attractive.

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.

review of 100 cases of colonic injuries admitted to Baghdad teaching hospital according to ACS grading system

In Iraq nearly 95% of colonic injuries are caused by penetrating trauma [gun shot, blast injuries, stab injuries, or iatrogenic trauma], blunt injuries are rare and commonly result from road traffic accidents or fall from height. While in the rest of the world, penetrating trauma accounts for 80-90% of cases. This higher rate of penetrating trauma in Iraq is due to the high rate of terrorism attacks with low and high velocity missiles. The aim is to study cases with colonic injuries according to ACS [American College of Surgeons] grading system, the surgical management applied and the postoperative outcome of each grade. This prospective study compromise [100] patients with documented colonic injuries admitted to the surgical wards at Baghdad Teaching Hospital spanning the years 2006 to 2008. The parameters used in this study include: age, gender, mechanism of injury, part of the colon involved by injury, the grade of the injury, other associated organ injuries, the method chosen to manage the injury and the outcome [uneventful recovery, postoperative morbidity and death]. Colonic injuries were caused by bullet injuries in 50% of cases, sigmoid colon was the most common involved part [32%], 64% of cases were of grade 2 ACS, the most common associated organ injury was small intestine [60%], colonic injuries were primarily sutured in 48% of cases, while other 48% of vases ended with colostomy. Morbidity postoperatively were recorded in 32% of cases, most frequently with grade 2 and in cases treated by colostomy. Postoperative Death was recorded in 14% of cases. According to our study, ACS grading system proves to be highly beneficial to the applied in the coarse of management of colonic injuries

Heridas penetrantes por armas de fuego en el sistema nervioso centrl. Segunda parte: fisiopatología de las lesiones Lesiones, casos clínicos y manejo / Penetrating firearm wounds of the central nervous system. Part two: Phisiopathology of the lesions, clinical cases and management

Como consecuencia del conflicto armado que vive Colombia y que bien podría llamarse una guerra de baja intensidad, el personal de sus Fuerzas Armadas sufre con relativa frecuencia de heridas penetrantes por armas de fuego, que en su mayoría son remitidos al Hospital Militar Central de Bogotá, en donde se recibe un promedio de 350 pacientes anuales en los diferentes servicios. La mayoría de casos obedece a heridas por armas de fuego de alta velocidad que causan un daño tisular considerable por la cantidad de energía liberada y también por armas de fragmentación, en las que se observa multiplicidad de lesiones y que en el caso de esta revisión se limitará a las de localización craneoencefálica, medular o intrarraquídea. En continuidad con la primera, en esta segunda parte se explica en detalle la fisiopatología de este tipo de heridas a nivel de sistema nervioso central y se muestran algunos casos realmente sorprendentes, tratando de reafirmar en el lector el conocimiento básico que se requiere para el manejo de estos pacientes.

Reconstruction: A recipe of forensic medicine.

Mostly in medicolegal cases for the purpose of investigation in the right direction it is important to know and see whether findings or injuries present over the body are consistent with the history or not. This becomes more important in certain cases like death in police custody and death in police encounter, where the integrity of law enforcing agencies is at stake and for that consistency of findings with the history given by them is important. This is only possible by meticulous examination of the body and then reconstruction of the findings, which leads to a particular outcome. And that is why it is said, that “Reconstruction of the crime is like a recipe of forensic medicine”.

Heridas penetrantes por armas de fuego en el sistema nerviosos central. Primera parte: aspectos históricos y nociones de / Penetrating wounds by firearms to the central nervious system. Part one: historical background and ballistics

Las heridas penetrantes al sistema nervioso central han sido desde épocas históricas un reto para el manejo médico, dada su complejidad, fisiopatología y la pobre recuperación de este tipo de lesiones. Aun en la época actual, con el sinnúmero de adelantos tecnológicos y el conocimiento cada vez más preciso de su fisiopatología, se continúan generando una serie de controversias acerca de su manejo. Desafortunadamente, la multitud de conflictos armados y la fácil disponibilidad de armas en el mercado hacen que este tipo de lesiones sean frecuentes en la práctica diaria del médico general. Con el fin de actualizar e ilustrar al lector, se hace en esta primera parte una revisión de los conceptos básicos de balística forense que facilitan entender la fisiopatología y los mecanismos descritos de lesiones del sistema nervioso central, que en el próximo número se abordarán detalladamente, destacando la experiencia del Servicio de Neurocirugía del Hospital Militar Central en este campo