Atypical Gunshot Injury Traversing the Neck with an Unexpected Nonlinear Bullet Trajectory: a Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract Gunshot injuries involving the head and neck region yield profound morbidity mortality rates. Projectile-related factors comprising various physical dynamic properties of a bullet, as well tissue-related factors, determine disruptive effects projectiles on living tissues. We experienced an extremely unusual case gunshot injury to neck, wherein bullet transversely penetrated across deep structures contralateral side shoulder without damaging any vital organs. A 51-year-old man presented with wound from point-blank range. entry hole was observed left exit hole; however, patient conscious, signs were normal, no active bleeding, cranial nerve palsy, or aero-digestive tract found. Imaging tests revealed lying in front right humeral head, which extracted by emergency surgery. The uneventfully discharged. According localization damaged tissues positional relationship between bullet’s entrance its destination, estimated have nonlinearly traversed traveling through interstructural spaces associated least tissue resistance. Our experience strongly suggests importance realizing unpredictable nature trajectory body. An appropriate understanding ballistic wounding mechanisms can be great help adequate assessment management patients injuries.