A Diagnostic Algorithm for Reconstructing the Direction of Gunshots Using OsiriX and Maya in Living Patients: A...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Forensic Science
• 3D Modeling

Background:

• Gunshot wounds pose clinical and forensic challenges.
• Accurate bullet trajectory analysis is vital for patient care and legal proceedings.
• Current methods may lack integration between internal imaging and external scene reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a practical diagnostic workflow for analyzing gunshot wounds in living patients.
• To combine DICOM viewing software with 3D modeling for comprehensive trajectory assessment.
• To improve the correlation between internal ballistics and external shooting dynamics for clinical and forensic applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized CT scans analyzed in OsiriX (DICOM viewer) with multiplanar reconstructions and 3D renderings.
• Employed Autodesk Maya for virtual reconstruction of the external shooting scene.
• Integrated bullet trajectories from OsiriX into Maya models to link internal and external ballistics.

Main Results:

• Achieved precise identification of bullet entry/exit points and reliable trajectory reconstruction.
• Enabled effective 3D visualization and simulation of the shooting scene.
• Demonstrated reproducibility, clinical utility, and enhanced forensic interpretation.

Conclusions:

• The OsiriX-Maya workflow provides a reproducible method for analyzing gunshot wounds in living patients.
• This approach supports surgical decisions and significantly enhances the forensic value of radiological data.
• Standardizing this technique in trauma imaging and forensic workflows could improve ballistic documentation.