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Skin tears away from the entrance wound in gunshots to the head
1Institute of Legal Medicine, Albert-Ludwig-University, Albertstrasse 9, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
Abstract:
The present investigation covers 116 contact shots to the head and shots into the mouth from the Freiburg forensic autopsy material including 20 gunshot wounds which showed stretchmark-like tears of the facial skin away from the entrance wound. In these cases the gunshot entrance wounds were localised either in the mouth, the forehead, or the submental region. The stretchmark-like tears were found in the region of the eyes and the nasolabial folds. Radial tears were seen on the lips and in the vicinity of the corners of the mouth, particularly in cases involving shots into the mouth. The stretchmark-like tears essentially followed the skin tension lines and the expression-related lines of the face. They were apparently caused by the subcutaneous or intraoral expansion of the muzzle gases and/or the radial forces of the bullet resulting in ballooning and overextension of the facial soft tissues. The weapons used were not only rifles and shotguns, but also revolvers and pistols.
Insights
Contact gunshot wounds to the head can cause unique facial skin tears. These stretchmark-like tears result from muzzle gas expansion and bullet forces, following facial skin lines.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Ballistics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Gunshot wounds to the head present complex injury patterns.
- Facial soft tissue injuries require detailed analysis for forensic reconstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and describe the characteristics of stretchmark-like facial skin tears caused by contact gunshot wounds.
- To determine the mechanisms responsible for these specific wound patterns.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 116 contact gunshot wounds to the head and mouth from forensic autopsy material.
- Detailed examination of 20 cases exhibiting stretchmark-like facial skin tears.
- Correlation of tear patterns with wound location, weapon type, and biomechanical forces.
Main Results:
- Twenty cases showed stretchmark-like tears of facial skin distant from the entrance wound.
- Tears were observed around the eyes and nasolabial folds, with radial tears on lips.
- Tear patterns followed facial skin tension and expression lines, indicating gas and bullet force expansion.
Conclusions:
- Facial skin tears in contact gunshot wounds are caused by subcutaneous or intraoral muzzle gas expansion and/or bullet radial forces.
- These injuries result in ballooning and overextension of facial soft tissues.
- Understanding these patterns aids in forensic analysis of head and facial gunshot injuries.
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