A high-velocity rifle bullet causes a wound track significantly wider than the bullet diameter, with temporary cavitation, extensive tissue destruction, and a large exit wound. The principal mechanism of tissue destruction unique to high-velocity projectiles is:
- A Permanent cavity equal to bullet diameter
- B Temporary cavity formation due to radial pressure wave (hydrostatic shock) beyond the direct track ✓
- C Thermal burn of tissue along the bullet track due to friction heat
- D Fragmentation of the skull at entry, causing secondary projectiles
Explanation
High-velocity bullets (>600 m/s) create a large transient temporary cavity by transferring kinetic energy (proportional to v²) radially outward via a pressure wave as the bullet passes; tissues are stretched far beyond the permanent bullet tract and then recoil. This temporary cavitation exceeds the permanent cavity (direct crush zone) many-fold and causes haemorrhage, contusion and 'hydraulic' tissue disruption remote from the bullet path. Thermal injury along the tract is clinically insignificant. Skull fragmentation occurs but is not the primary mechanism in soft tissue injuries.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.