Experimental Investigation of Temporary Cavities Created by Penetration by .308 Calibre Bullets

<ns3:p>In experimental studies concerned with firing upon soft targets, e.g., ballistic gelatine blocks, not only the penetration depth is important, but also the shape and size of the resulting temporary cavity, which is assumed to be the result of radial acceleration of the tissue in a direction that is perpendicular to the bullet's penetration path. The penetration of the bullet into the body, in addition to damaging the tissue as well as crushing and drilling the permanent cavity, creates a temporary cavity that may overstress and damage adjacent organs. During the pulsation of tissue around the gunshot wound, suction is created, likely to attract foreign objects and impurities. This may seriously complicate the process of healing the gunshot wound. Knowledge about these phenomena may contribute to a better understanding of clinical and radiological findings.</ns3:p>