Patterns of tissue injury secondary to gunshot wounds.

(A) Low velocity, small entrance, and exit wounds. (B) Higher velocity, cavitation present with energy dispersion outward from missile path (blast effect). (C) Same velocity as in B but with penetration of bone and greater blast effect because of projections of bone being spread through tissue. (D) Higher velocity than in B or C with greater cavitation effect, small entrance and exit wounds. (E) Same velocity as in D, but person or extremity hit is thinner resulting in large exit wound. (F) Asymmetrical cavitation as bullet begins to yaw and tumble.