Caliber confusion: bullet localization and caliber identification with radiographs

Area of Science:

• Trauma surgery
• Military medicine
• Ballistics

Background:

• Patient sustained a combat injury.
• Initial assessment suggested a 0.45-caliber weapon injury.

Observation:

• The patient harbored a long-standing belief about the weapon caliber.
• Military surgeons concurred with the patient's initial belief.

Findings:

• A diagnostic re-evaluation 26 years post-injury identified the actual weapon caliber.
• The patient's misconception regarding the causative agent of his injury was corrected.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of accurate documentation in combat medicine.
• Underscores the potential for long-term diagnostic discrepancies.
• Emphasizes the need for periodic review of historical combat injuries.