[Teeth as an intermediate target--a cause for rapid disintegration of the full metal-jacketed bullets used by the military].

Sharp-pointed full metal-jacketed bullets fired from assault rifles are expected to have a low tendency of deformation or destruction within biological tissues. In principle this also should apply to small calibre projectiles .223. If a bullet penetrates the oral region, contact with teeth can cause early break up and even total disintegration of the projectile. Under such circumstances the fragments are possibly retained within the body. A case of accidental gunshot injury to the head inflicted with an assault rifle AUG Steyr. 223 of the Austrian army serves to demonstrate and discuss the wound ballistic effects in relation to the altered behaviour of the projectile. Analogous findings were reproduced in experimental models.