What is the phenomenon called where a bullet generates pressure waves causing damage distant from its path?

The phenomenon where a bullet generates pressure waves causing damage distant from its path is known as cavitation. When a projectile travels through tissue, it can create a temporary cavity as it displaces surrounding tissue. This cavity forms due to the rapid displacement of fluid and soft tissues by the bullet and its associated shock wave, which extends beyond the immediate path of the bullet. The energy released by the bullet impacts areas that are not in direct contact with the projectile, leading to significant tissue damage.

Cavitation is crucial in understanding the extent of injuries caused by firearms, as the damage from cavitation can result in injuries to organs and tissues far from the bullet's trajectory. This concept helps medical professionals assess potential complications and plan appropriate interventions.

While shock waves are related and do play a role in the overall impact of a bullet, cavitation specifically refers to the creation of that temporary cavity and the resulting damage. The terms ballistic trauma and impact injury refer to broader categories of damage from projectiles and may not specifically encapsulate the phenomenon of pressure wave-induced damage distant from the bullet's path, which is why cavitation is the most accurate descriptor in this context.