Thoracic Vertebrae Gun Shot Wound

sketchfab

This specimen comprises segments of the T3, T4, and T5 vertebrae. A substantial comminuted ballistic fracture affects nearly the entire height of the T4 vertebral body, with a considerable area of bone loss on the right side. The externally bevelled pattern indicates a bullet wound where the projectile travelled from posterior to anterior. Bullet wipe is present on trabecular bone within the wound's depths. A 30-30 caliber is a hunting rifle caliber; this type of projectile causes extensive tissue damage due to its large kinetic energy. Authors: Jake F McCallum - Vancouver Fraser Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Aaron M Baker - Island Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC Contributor: Kurt McBurney - Associate Teaching Professor, Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC