The characteristics of the pressure waves generated in the soft target by impact and its contribution to indirect bone fractures

J Trauma. 1988 Jan;28(1 Suppl):S104-9. doi: 10.1097/00005373-198801001-00023.

Abstract

When a high-velocity spherical fragment impacts a biological body, it will initiate strong pressure waves spreading throughout the body. A pressure wave, especially a shock wave with a steep front, generated by impact, may cause blood vessel injuries, viscera injuries, and indirect bone fractures. This paper reports research on pressure waves near the wound tracks, generated by spherical fragments, and calculates the zones of indirect bone fractures generated by pressure waves of impact.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dogs
  • Femoral Fractures / etiology*
  • Hindlimb
  • Models, Structural
  • Muscles / injuries*
  • Pressure
  • Soaps
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Swine
  • Wounds, Gunshot / pathology*

Substances

  • Soaps