The evaluation of a synthetic long bone structure as a substitute for human tissue in gunshot experiments.

Our goal was to compare experimental gunshot wounds in our non-biological bone model with similarly created wounds in swine bones, and evaluate the results. The design of the synthetic (polyurethane) bone was patterned after human bone structure, with a compact outer layer covering a porous inner layer. Ordnance gelatin, as substitute bone marrow, was injected into the bone's hollow core. To simulate the periostium, the bone was covered with a layer of latex. Then the bone was embedded in gelatin used to simulate surrounding soft tissue. For comparison, fresh swine bones were also embedded in gelatin, and fired upon under the same guidelines. All gunshots were high-speed filmed. In our experimental study, gunshot wounds to swine bones, and to our synthetic, non-biological bones were compared. The results (the comparison between the biological swine bones and the non-biological model bones) in regard to the following points are absolutely equal: the loss of velocity and energy after striking bone, bone fragmentation, bullet deformation, and the penetrating wound channel. Continuing studies with our synthetic bone model will bring about an even greater understanding of the mechanisms of "bullet-bone interaction". For this reason, we have extended our variety of bone models to include other skeletal structures such as skull, spine, pelvis and flat bones for further gunshot experiments.