Three-dimensional reconstruction of a bullet path: validation by computed radiography.

Three-dimensional visualization is an important tool in the evaluation and demonstration of injury. Creating convincing graphics, however, requires strict distinction between illustrative and reconstructive visualizations and a method of validation. We present a case in which we used a radiation-planning tool to provide a 3-dimensional illustrative visualization of a contact gunshot wound to the head, and validated the result by comparing computed radiographs with radiographs taken at autopsy. We discuss the use of visualization tools for data exploration in forensic pathology.