[hermantheshocker]

In these intraoral gunshot wounds, note the tissue tears extending from the sides of the mouth. These tears result from the large amount of gases exiting the end of the barrel at high pressures. In contrast to the head, contact shotgun wounds of the torso often have a fairly innocuous appearance, likely related to the elastic nature of the tissues of the body walls and the ability of the chest or abdominal cavities to be able to accommodate a large amount of expelled gas.


Fig.1 In this suicide by intraoral shotgun wound, note the tissue tears extending from the sides of the mouth


Fig.2 Fracture of maxilla and extensive tears around the mouth in a suicide case with a high-velocity firearm.

The discharge of a weapon involves the release not only of a projectile but of hot gas under high pressure as well. If the lips are sealed around the barrel, the rapid expansion of departed gases causes the cheeks and face to balloon far beyond their elastic capacity. This results in the characteristic tears seen in the figures.


Fig.3 Linear tears extending laterally from the corners of the mouth. Suicide.


Fig.4 Suicide by intraoral gunshot wound. Note linear tears of the face.


Fig.5 This graphic depicts the dynamics of a firearm discharged into the mouth. The gases expand the cheeks of the victim causing the splitting around the lips.

In a contact shot fired anywhere on the head, the gases from the firing discharge can enter into the skull. This results in an acute build-up of intracranial pressure with the rigid cranium attempting to accommodate it by expansion. Gases under pressure accumulate inside the cranium and in the process of attempting to release this build-up of pressure, fractures will arise with outward expansion with outwards pushing of the fracture fragments and consent tears (lacerations) through the skin of the face as these sharp and tough bony fragments are pushed outwards. This is seen especially on the face and this produces facial distortion effects.

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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.

[mr_feelgood]

Best poster on dr in my opinion:xyx thumbs:

[Caf002]

Excellent post, Herman!

[zeb247]

Great post.

[ride]

I'm going to opt for carbon monoxide poisoning.

[cardsharksam]

Great Post yet again Herman thank you

[><0300><]

Awesome post

[ayamgoreng]

You wanna know how i get these scars?

[Razorhead]

Interesting post. Thanks.

[LERK]

It bothers me when old guys don’t trim their nose hair.