A perforating gunshot wound typically results in what?

A perforating gunshot wound is characterized by both an entrance and an exit wound. This type of wound occurs when a bullet penetrates the body, creating an entry point as it enters and a corresponding exit point as it exits the body. Due to the nature of the ballistic injury, the wound channels through the tissues, often resulting in significant trauma on both sides.

In the case of an entrance wound, the tissue around the entry point can exhibit features such as abrasion and contusion, while the exit wound may appear larger and more irregular due to the bullet's energy dispersing as it travels through the body. This distinction is crucial, as it affects the investigation and understanding of the shooting dynamics involved in the injury.

Understanding the implications of a perforating wound helps investigators analyze the trajectory of the bullet and the potential positioning of both the victim and the shooter, aiding in the reconstruction of the crime scene and the circumstances surrounding the incident.