Wednesday 7 March 2012

Emedinews:Insights on Medicolegal issues: What are close–range and contact wounds?



Close–range wounds: When a firearm is discharged very close to or in contact with the skin surface, the gases produced by the explosion pass into the tissues with the bullet and cause considerable laceration of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. The entrance wound has a ragged appearance, especially over the skull where it may be stellate in appearance. There is usually some blackening and tattooing of the skin around the bullet entrance wound, while the hair in the region of the wound may be singed. Some skin burning and abrasion in relation to the hot gases may be present.
Contact wounds: In these wounds, the discharge passes into the tissues through the bullet entrance opening and powder deposits as well as blackening may be observed in the depths of the wound. The doctor attending the case must document all the findings in clinical sheet/medico–legal report.

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