[hermantheshocker]

Contact wounds is when firearm is in contact with the target at the time of discharge. In a hard contact wound, gas expansion within the subcutaneous tissues may result in a muzzle imprint (abrasion resembling the shape of the muzzle = Werkgartner mark) or in an irregular, stellate appearance with a central defect and radiating lacerations (typically seen in gunshot wounds to the head). Figs.1-3 are examples of stellate appearance of a gunshot wound.


Fig.1 Particularly large and marked tissue destruction is evident characterized by a cross-shaped or star-shaped wound referred to as stellate-type wound.


Fig.2 Another example of a stellate-type wound to the side of the head.


Fig.3 This 52-year-old woman has a stellate-type gunshot wound of her right temple.

In the diagram in Fig.4 the weapon is pressed against the head or body in an area overlying bone surfaces. Subsequently, the gases from the explosion expand between the skin and the underlying bone surfaces producing a bursting effect with a ragged entrance wound.


Fig.4 Diagram representation of a hard contact wound.

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This post is for educational purposes only and is nonprofit. Under Section 107 of the US Copyright Act of 1976; Allowance is made for "Fair Use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. OP is not a medical expert. No copyright infringement intended. This post does not encourage or glorify violence/harassment. Images might have been upscaled and enhanced. Text might have been shortened and simplified/reorganized for online view.

[rohmell]

Mr. HermanTheShocker,
The diagrams and explanations in your posts are enjoyable and educational.
Thanks once again for posting such excellent content.

[Cathedral]

Headbangers wear metal to shrug those minor annoyances off to the wind.

[mr_feelgood]

Damn. That ladies eye is creepy as fuck man :laug h

[SaintFrankenstein]

Thanks for this. Very informative!

[imbok]

It's easy to forget that the gas pressure inside of gun barrel is extremely high. Chamber pressure for a 9 x 19 mm pistol cartridge is over 30,000 psi. By the time the gas exits the barrel, it has dropped, but not by much. That is more than enough pressure to burst the area around the entry wound and create the star shaped defects you see in such instances.