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[Pistols and revolvers as striking tools]
S Pollak1, J Missliwetz, H Mortinger
1Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Universität Freiburg.
Archiv Fur Kriminologie
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Firearms can cause blunt force trauma injuries, not just gunshot wounds. This study examines characteristic injuries from using handguns as blunt instruments in homicides.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Traumatology
Context:
- Firearms are typically associated with projectile injuries.
- Blunt force trauma can also result from the misuse of firearms.
Purpose:
- To analyze and describe the morphological characteristics of injuries caused by using firearms as blunt instruments.
- To present case studies illustrating these injury patterns.
Summary:
- Hand firearms and blank-cartridge arms can be used as blunt instruments, causing abrasions, hematomata, lacerations, and fractures, often to the head.
- Protective wounds on the hands and characteristic skin lesions/fractures from pistol grips are discussed.
- Three homicide cases are presented to demonstrate these injury patterns.
Impact:
- Enhances understanding of firearm-related injuries beyond ballistics.
- Aids forensic investigators in identifying the nature of assaults involving firearms.
- Contributes to the accurate interpretation of injury patterns in forensic investigations.